WXPR | Mirror of the Northwoods, Window on the World

Wisconsin Wolf Season Exceeds Quota with 216 Wolves Killed in Less Than Three Days

Hunters harvested 216 wolves during Wisconsin’s 2021 wolf season. The season was set to last 7-days but was cut short as hunters quickly filled quotas. The 216 wolves are nearly 100 more wolves than the 119 wolf quota issued the Natural Resources Board. DNR employees pointed to a couple different reasons for the number going so far over. Hunters have 24 hours to report kills which can lead to delays in reporting. By state law, the DNR has to give 24 hours-notice before closing a zone. “I...

GOP Lawmakers Propose Restricting Absentee Voting

Three Lakes Runner Up in WIAA Division Five Championship

Teachers, Child Care Workers Eligible for Vaccine Monday

By Associated Press • 16 hours ago

Teachers at Wisconsin schools with a higher percentage of students at risk for catching the coronavirus will be prioritized for vaccinations when they become eligible next week. The deputy secretary of the state Department of Health Services said Thursday that all teachers will be vaccinated over the next six weeks. Teachers belong to a group of 700,000 people who become eligible for the vaccine on Monday, joining people over 65.

Rep. Ron Kind 'Taking a Look' at U.S. Senate Run

By Associated Press • 16 hours ago

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is dipping his toe into Wisconsin’s 2022 Senate race, telling a WKOW-TV reporter that he will be “taking a look” at running. Kind did not immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking additional comment. Kind told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that “No decisions have been made.” Kind has represented western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since 1997 and has often considered running for other office, only to seek reelection to his current post.

Wisconsin May Send Voting Deputies Back to Nursing Homes

By Associated Press • 16 hours ago

Wisconsin election officials may send voting deputies back into nursing homes ahead of the April elections. The state Elections Commission banned deputies from entering nursing homes in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold. That ban remains in place despite urgings from Republicans to lift it. Earlier this month the Legislature's GOP-controlled rules committee ordered the commission to promulgate the ban as an emergency rule. The commission is set to discuss such a move during a meeting Tuesday.

WXPR News: Friday, February 26, 2021

By John Burton • 20 hours ago

DNR compiling data from wolf hunt that exceeded quota
New group of Wisconsinites to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Star Spangled Banner Act would require national anthem be played at taxpayer funded venues
Voting proposals face veto threat

Minocqua Gets $300,000 Donation for Downtown Parking Lot Purchase

By Dean S. Acheson • 22 hours ago

The Town of Minocqua has received a substantial cash donation toward the proposed purchase of a large private parking lot in downtown Minocqua, according to town chairman Mark Hartzheim.

The parking lot is currently owned by the Campanile Center for the Arts, which approached the town board to see if it was interested in purchasing it. Saint Patrick Catholic Church once owned the parking lot.

Sea Shanties Get New Life on TikTok App

By Katie Thoresen • 23 hours ago

It started with a man singing the sea shanty “Soon May the Wellerman Come” on TikTok, a popular app the lets people get creative with video and sound.

What now is a trending topic on social media, was once part of the workday for sailors.

“A shanty, and some people call it a sea shanty, is a song that is used to coordinate labor and relieve tedium while performing physical labor,” said Library of Congress Folklife Specialist Stephen Winick.

Bill Would Require Anthem Playing Before Games at Public Funded Facilities

By Mike Leischner WSAU • Feb 26, 2021

Stevens Point State Senator Patrick Testin says his Star Spangled Banner act, proposed this week in Madison, is not a means of "forced patriotism".

The bill would require that the national anthem be played before events or games held at all taxpayer-funded facilities, ranging from Fiserv Forum and Lambeau Field to your local parks and rec sports complex.

Testin said he wants to make sure that those who paid for the venue have the chance to honor our country if they want.

Nonprofits of the Northwoods: Mental Health Matters

By Erin Gottsacker • Feb 26, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated symptoms of mental illness across the nation.

The Northern Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides services to help.

Listen to the full interview with Executive Director Mick Fiocchi to learn about the support groups NAMI offers and how to support someone dealing with mental illness.

Northland Pines Updates COVID-19 Protocols, Limited Public Use of Facilities Returns

By Ken Anderson • Feb 26, 2021

After one year of the COVID pandemic ending public use of Northland Pines school facilities, limited use will be returned according to a report by administer Scott Foster to the school board last week.

“Right now we are allowing walking in the fieldhouse along with pickelball and tennis returning in a limited manner,” Foster said. “One issue that needs attention of the board is Headwaters for the Performing Arts presentations in the fieldhouse because they need to start booking events.”

GOP Lawmakers Propose Restricting Absentee Voting

By Mike Moen • Feb 26, 2021

Wisconsin Republicans have proposed a host of changes to absentee voting following last year's election, but they'll face a veto threat from the governor as well as pushback from voting-rights advocates.