From buckthorn choking our forests to wild parsnip along hiking trails, invasive species threaten the Northwoods we love. Here’s how DNR specialists and everyday residents are fighting back with everything from drones to boot brushes.

The YMCA of the Northwoods distributed nearly $250,000 in scholarships last year, ensuring no Rhinelander resident gets turned away from fitness and wellness programs due to cost.

A Milwaukee nonprofit’s fellowship program brings creative community and belonging to neurodivergent young adults in Tomahawk, meeting twice monthly at the public library to build connections through art.

A 16-year-old Crandon entrepreneur is running Ravens Mobile Café while juggling school, proving that Northwoods grit starts young. His next move? A food truck for summer.

Skaar Family Farm transforms a former Gleason restaurant into a 1,600-square-foot market and coffee house, creating a community hub that bets on growth in a town facing population decline.

A 16-year-old Crandon entrepreneur balances high school with running Ravens Mobile Café, proving that Northwoods youth entrepreneurship is alive and brewing strong — with a food truck expansion on the horizon.

After 36 years, Lake Tomahawk Meat Market is cutting hours for the first time. The beloved butcher shop faces the staffing crisis hitting Northwoods businesses—where skilled workers are scarce and housing is scarcer.

Teressa Gray opened Corvino’s Boxing Club in Eagle River this January, reviving her late father’s 1940s coaching legacy. With over 50 members already, the gym is reshaping how Northwoods residents stay active year-round.

The Blind Pig in Rhinelander drew over 100 people to Boom Lake for turkey bowling — a quirky winter tradition now adding veteran fundraising to frozen-turkey fun.

Medford dairy farmer Gary Kohn earns statewide recognition in the “Born to Dairy” campaign, showcasing the resourcefulness and dedication of Northwoods family farms that keep Wisconsin’s dairy heritage alive.

A bill banning SNAP users from buying soda and candy could push more Northwoods families away from benefits and toward already-stretched food pantries like Rhinelander’s.

A former Lake Tomahawk carpenter and his wife opened Island City Acoustics in Minocqua, creating a beginner-friendly music hub where even the owners are learning alongside customers.