Erin Gottsacker

Wild Instincts is a nonprofit organization in Rhinelander that rehabilitates baby bears, bald eagles, bunnies, snakes and all kinds of wild animals that have been injured or orphaned.

Spring is an especially busy time of year for the organization because it’s the season of baby animals.

Listen to the full interview with wildlife rehabilitator Mark Naniot to learn about the animals they’re currently caring for.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is testing residential wells in North Ironwood for harmful chemicals this week, after some were found at the Gogebic-Iron County airport.

Now, the state is trying to determine how far they’ve spread, and if they’ve contaminated any drinking water.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, tests groundwater at airports across Michigan.

They’re looking for residue of a firefighting foam that airports use to train with in case there’s an accident.

The current housing market makes it challenging for someone who’s homeless to find an affordable place to live.

The Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing and Frederick Place is raising money to support those who need a place to stay, and they’re doing it in a creative way.

Frederick Place is a temporary emergency homeless shelter that provides safe housing for people experiencing homelessness.

This year, it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary, but because of COVID-19, staff decided to cancel the biggest fundraiser of the year – the annual anniversary benefit.

Although the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Gov. Evers statewide mask mandate, face coverings are still required at many stores, like Aldi, Pick 'n Save and Kohl’s.

One place they’re not required though – several local public schools.

Laona, Three Lakes and Crandon school districts all stopped requiring masks following the state Supreme Court ruling.

Now wearing a face covering in their classrooms is optional.

If you’ve ever considered composting, now might be a good time to start.

Trees for Tomorrow, an environmental education center in Eagle River, is selling bins and teaching people how to compost in their backyard.

Listen to the full interview with Environmental Educator Kim Feller to learn about why composting matters and how you can get involved.

Trees for Tomorrow has a calendar full of programs to teach people about everything from outdoor cooking to archery. Visit their website to learn more.

Last April, COVID-19 sent election officials across the country into a tailspin.

Many states postponed their presidential primaries, but Wisconsin was not among them.

Some residents scrambled to file for absentee ballots. Others went to the polls like normal.

Now, a year later, voting in-person is a bit different than before the pandemic.

At the Pine Lake Community Building in Oneida County, voters sanitize their hands before picking up a ballot from a poll worker behind a plexiglass screen.

The Northwoods Community Garden is preparing for its inaugural spring.

With 48 garden plots, the garden will be a place for local residents to grow their own food and flowers and to learn about environmental stewardship and nutrition.

Listen to the full interview with board members Pete Zambon and Tabatha Bennish to learn what plans the garden has in store for the growing season.