9/12/2025

ONEIDA / VILAS COUNTIES - Lightning is suspected to be the cause of multiple fires in the Oneida and Vilas County border areas over the last few days. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue reported two significant fires and at least four smaller lightning strikes on Tuesday. The department said fire resources were heavily strained due to the close timing of the strikes but credited the Wisconsin Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) for ensuring adequate coverage. Fire departments from across the Northwoods came in to assist. In Sugar Camp, a home on Kaldec Drive caught fire. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, among others, responded to this incident. In a Facebook post, the department noted several challenges, including water supply issues and tankers getting stuck due to deteriorating road conditions caused by the storms. In St. Germain, Waldmann’s Construction lost its paint and cabinet shop to a fire. Waldmann’s expressed gratitude to local fire departments for containing the blaze to just that shop. The White Stag in Sugar Camp also reported a fire caused by a lightning strike, with hopes that the damage is minimal and they can reopen this Friday.

9/12/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - We’re only a few weeks away from peak fall color, in the Western U.P. and patches of color are already popping up. This year, areas along the Wisconsin state line will start to have peak color at the beginning of October. Peak color for most of the Upper Peninsula is expected during the second weekend of October after the 11th.  Sunny, warm, and dry days followed by cool nights are ideal conditions for a vibrant and long display of color.  Long-term weather models project slightly above normal and drier conditions through the beginning of October.

9/12/2025

LANSING - Lt. Gov Garlin Gilchrist (D-Michigan) says he received a bomb threat at his home Thursday.  In a statement, Gilchrist says: “Earlier today, there was a credible bomb threat to my home, where Ellen and I raise our young children. The threat has been cleared, and I am grateful to law enforcement for their quick response and for keeping my family and our neighborhood safe.”  No reported arrests.