MADISON, Wis. - The State of Wisconsin is now accepting applications for people to serve on a nonpartisan redistricting panel, aimed at eliminating political influence in redrawing legislative maps. But some are questioning whether the state is ready for this approach.

MINOCQUA – The Minocqua Police Department will soon have to replace three positions in its 24/7-dispatch center. Its police chief says now is the time to make some staffing changes.

EAGLE RIVER- Conflicts in the fall hunting season between ATV/UTV's and ruffed grouse hunters were discussed recently at the Vilas County forestry committee after concerns were expressed by Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) representative Jon Steigerwaldt who oppossed any more motorized trails on the county forest until the cumulative impacts of motorized trails can be determined on wildlife.

ARCADIA, Wis. -- Wisconsin's public school student population has become more racially diverse, but its teacher workforce still is mostly White. That's according to a new report from an independent research group.

The Wisconsin Policy Forum said between 2009 and 2019, the number K-12 students of color increased by more than 28%, but teachers of color only make up 5% of those leading classrooms across the state.

Employees of Marathon County will be required to wear face masks beginning Monday.

Judy Burrows, Public Information Officer for the Marathon County Health Department, says it is a measure for the protection of the public and county employees.

The policy is one that all employers have the ability to put into place, says Burrows, who noted that others already have as well.

Per the Health Department and DHS, mask wearing " is a proven strategy to protect public health and the spread of COVID," says Burrows in an email.

MINOCQUA – Asked to respond to the news that Ascension-Wisconsin will no longer base its Spirit 2 medical helicopter at Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff, by year’s end, Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) issued the following statement: “Marshfield Clinic Health System will provide emergency air transport in Minocqua for patients requiring critical care through its Life Link III helicopters.