9/15/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Eligible Veterans can get no-cost flu vaccines this month at VA medical centers, community clinics, in-network retail pharmacies, and urgent care.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center offers drive-through/walk-in clinics now. The Iron Mountain VA Medical Center has drive-through clinics on the 22nd through 26th from, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and walk-in clinics September 29-October 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment is needed. Ironwood clinic dates are September 17 and 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. Veterans can also get vaccines from their PACT team or a community provider. Visit www.va.gov/find-locations for pharmacy options, but call ahead to confirm no-cost eligibility and documentation. To qualify for a community flu shot, Veterans must be enrolled in VA health care and have received VA or Community Care Network care in the past 24 months. Call your local VA office to check eligibility.

9/15/2025

N. WISCONSIN — Wisconsin’s wolf population is holding steady and nearing its natural limit, according to new data shared at Thursday’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wolf Advisory Committee meeting.  Biologists say the state’s monitoring program — which combines GPS collaring, winter track surveys, and advanced modeling — shows an estimated 1,000 wolves in Wisconsin this year. The statistical range places the population between around 1100 and 1400 animals, close to the state’s biological carrying capacity of about 1,242 wolves.  The Wolf Advisory Committee will reconvene later this year to review additional management topics, including incentive programs and long-term planning.

9/15/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The 42nd Lifetime Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival, one of the nation’s oldest mountain bike races, drew over 2,800 cyclists from 40 states and nine countries this past weekend. Participants, ranging from two to 81 years old, gathered on the Birkebeiner Trail in Hayward to tackle various courses, including the 40-mile signature course, the 16-mile “Short and Fat,” and the kid-friendly Little Loggers ride. The finish line at The Great Hall in Cable offered a lively atmosphere with spectators, food trucks, cold beverages, and live music. In the professional division, Melisa Rollins of Utah secured first place in the women’s race, while Alexey Vermeulen of Colorado claimed the men’s title. The festival also introduced Generations in Motion, a new initiative dedicated to funding youth cycling opportunities in the Hayward area.