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Wisconsin’s First Digital Smokey Bear Sign Unveiled in Minocqua

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Even at 82 years old, Smokey Bear is proving he can keep up with the digital age. Officials gathered outside the Minocqua Fire & Rescue Department for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate Wisconsin's first electronic Smokey Bear sign. It replaces the traditional, manual sign common across the country. Prominently positioned along Highway 51 directly in front of the station, the state-of-the-art, federally funded display allows local officials to instantly update wildfire conditions in real time. This ensures residents and visitors traveling through the Northwoods are immediately alerted to current fire danger levels. Since 1944, Smokey has been the nationwide voice of wildfire prevention, and local officials emphasize that clear, modern communication remains as vital as ever. To cap off the celebration, Dan's Minocqua Fudge created a S'mores-themed ice cream for the event, packed with marshmallow, chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and a hint of honey.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Leaders, business owners, and residents from across the region will gather in Tomahawk this fall to help shape the future of rural Wisconsin. Lincoln County has been chosen as one of just two statewide host sites for the 2026 Wisconsin Small Community Forums. The half-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, will focus on the unique economic and civic opportunities and challenges facing small towns. "Lincoln County is excited to host this year's forum," said Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. She encourages local attendance for the event, which will focus on practical solutions for rural economic and community development. The forum brings together residents, elected officials, and regional organizations to share best practices and actionable strategies. The 2026 agenda highlights key local topics: Rural Housing: A panel discussion on tools, tactics, and strategies featuring state, county, and local leaders.Community-Involved Employers: A spotlight on area businesses that actively invest in local development.Local Case Studies: Presentations showcasing successful regional projects and community initiatives.Interactive Roundtables: Focused discussions on key issues impacting both residents and visitors.The event will take place at the Buedingen Training Center at PCA in Tomahawk. Dunn County will serve as the other statewide host site, holding its forum in Colfax next month. Additional information and registration information.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News A cherished local artist is saying goodbye to Antigo, but the community is celebrating her creativity and dedication. Antigo Visual Arts is honoring 93-year-old artist Joanne March with a special solo exhibition before she relocates to Colorado to be closer to her family. March has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene for decades, known for her vibrant acrylics, paintings, and intricate basket weaving. According to the AVA, March's art reflects her curiosity, creativity, resilience and joy—qualities that have endeared her to fellow artists and the community. Her piece, "The Night Visitor," was awarded Best in Show. More than 70 guests attended the gallery opening earlier this month, a record turnout for an AVA gallery opening. With March heading west shortly, they sent her off with a reception and farewell celebration Thursday. There is still a few more weeks to view March's final local pieces. The gallery will remain open through September 17, located on the 2nd floor of the Langlade County Historical Museum.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News While the Fox Valley tornado dominated headlines last month, Northwoods communities are included in Wisconsin's push for federal storm relief. On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers formally requested a presidential disaster declaration following the devastating July 27 storms. The request seeks federal assistance for four hard-hit counties: Vilas and Forest in the Northwoods, alongside Outagamie and Winnebago in the Fox Valley. Joint state and FEMA assessments revealed massive destruction across the region:Public Infrastructure: Over $13.8 million in damage to public utilities and roads.Residential Losses: More than $8.2 million in damage affecting over 2,300 homes.If approved by the White House, the declaration will unlock FEMA Individual Assistance for impacted residents, as well as Public Assistance to help local governments repair damaged infrastructure. "Goodwill, grit, and volunteers alone can't fix this disaster," Gov. Evers said in the announcement. "We need emergency disaster aid from the federal government to make it happen."

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Recent rainfall brought temporary relief to parts of the Northwoods this week, but it was not enough to break the drought gripping the region. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released weekly on Thursdays, shows dry conditions persisting across northern Wisconsin: Extreme Drought (D3): Expanded westward this week and continues to encompass portions of Oneida, Vilas, Price, and Iron Counties.Moderate to Severe Drought (D1–D2): Covers the majority of the region.Statewide Impact: More than 93% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.Dry soil continues to challenge local agriculture, home gardeners, and lawn care. Additionally, as noted in our earlier discussion on Smokey Bear, these dry conditions keep wildfire risks elevated. Without a sustained, widespread soaking, drought conditions are expected to linger as we head into fall.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News First responders across the Northwoods have been receiving new emergency response tools this week to help keep their communities safe. The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation has been awarding grants of up to $2,000 to law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS agencies across the region through its Rewarding Responders grant program. That generosity included a pair of stops right here in the Tomahawk area. The Tomahawk Police Department received a grant to purchase additional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units for cardiac emergencies. As highlighted during Tuesday's Health and Safety Meeting, the department's current units are nearing the end of their service life and the model discontinued. AEDs typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and require regular maintenance. A bit further north, the Nokomis Fire Department was also selected for a Rewarding Responders grant. They will use the funds to purchase an adaptable piercing nozzle kit—a specialized tool designed to quickly direct water into confined spaces such as engine compartments, semi-trailers, or basements. During this cycle, the WPS Foundation is distributing $75,000. Since Rewarding Responders was established in 2014, the program has awarded $750,000 to emergency responders across its service area, primarily focusing on the Northwoods and Fox Valley.

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Sports Headlines

Tomahawk Cross Country Opens Season With Top 10 Finishes in Rhinelander

Published on 08/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country Squads began 2026 with top ten finishes at the Hodag Invitational in Rhinelander Thursday morning. The Hatchet girls placed third overall, finishing just 12 points behind meet champion Lakeland. The top Hatchet finisher was Charlee Lund, who placed third overall with a time of 21:28. The other top 10 finisher for the Hatchet girls was Elise Gibeault, placing ninth with a time of 22:29. As for the Hatchet Boys, Tomahawk would finish seventh overall. DC Everest would take the Hodag Invitational Boys Title. The top Hatchet finishers came from Connor Zorn and Jordyn Carew. Zorn placed 33rd with a time of 20:11. Carew placed 34th with a time of 20:12. The next meet for Tomahawk will be next Thursday, hosted by Marathon. Events begin at 4:30. Top Team Finishes from the Hodag Invite: Girls: Lakeland – 1st Rhinelander – 2nd Tomahawk – 3rd Three Lakes/Phelps – 4th Merrill – 6th Boys: Lakeland – 2nd Rhinelander – 3rd Northland Pines – 5th Laona-Wabeno – 6th Tomahawk – 7th Crandon – 8th Goodman-Pembine – 9th

Published on 08/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Football squad opened up 2026 with a whimper at Hatchet Field Friday night, losing to the Luther Knights, 27-6. Tomahawk responded Luther's opening-drive touchdown with a two-yard run from Max Larson. However, the Hatchets would fail to find the end zone after the first quarter. Luther countered with two scores in the second quarter, including one right after a muffed punt with two minutes left. As a team, Tomahawk rushed for 136 yards on 43 carries. Hudson Evans led the way in rushing with 46 yards on seven carries. Larson had 44 yards to go with his lone score. The Hatchets lose their first season opener since 2023 to drop to 0-1 on the season. Tomahawk will go on the road for the first time next week as they head to Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth from Charger Field in Wittenberg. Other Week 1 Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Northland Pines 14, Antigo 8 Lakeland 42, Hayward 14 Holmen 21, Medford 14 La Crosse Central 46, Merrill 16 Stratford 31, Mosinee 0 Rhinelander 20, Ashland 7 Wausau East 28, Shawano 0 Nekoosa 38, Crandon 0 Abbotsford 21, Markesan 8 8-Player Football: Athens 30, Niagara 8 Three Lakes/Phelps 28, Florence 12 Mellen/Butternut/Mercer 64, Prentice 28 Laona-Wabeno 12, Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas 6 Elcho/White Lake 22, Goodman-Pembine 6

Published on 08/20/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers opened up their season with a 13th-place finish at the Fun In the Sun Outdoor Relays in Merrill Thursday evening. The Hatchets competed in five different relays in the event. Tomahawk placed ninth in the 500 freestyle relay, swam by Aubrey Tollefson, Sloane Eisenman, Kaylee Roberts, and Kami Gabrich. The Hatchets placed 12th in the 200 Butterfly Relay, swam by Tollefson, Gabrich, Roberts, and Kortney Busterud. Tomahawk's highest finish in the meet was eighth in the 200 Backstroke Relay. The Hatchets then capped off the night with a tenth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke. Tomahawk will have a couple of weeks off before their next meet, which will be a home double dual with Great Northern Conference foes Lakeland and Mosinee September 3rd.

Published on 08/19/2026 under Sports A Hatchet athlete will continue her softball career in the Fox Cities after she graduates. Tomahawk Senior Averi Petta announced her commitment yesterday to play softball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In her three years in Tomahawk, Petta pitched and played in the infield. In a statement, Petta extended a thank you to her parents for their unconditional support. She also thanked Coaches John Larson and Ron Volz for helping her grow from her first day of practice as a freshman. As for her athletic career, Petta will wrap up her high school career as a hitter on the Hatcher Volleyball squad in the fall while also playing for Tomahawk's softball squad in the spring.

Published on 06/06/2026 under Sports In the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this weekend. Elise Gibeault and Ellie Micke competed in three separate events. Gibeault's top finish came in the 400 meter dash, placing third with a time of 56.7 seconds. Gibeault would finish 2.26 seconds behind state champion Harper Sheehan of Hayward. In her final event, the Hatchet Junior would set a brand new school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.38 seconds, a full second behind Sheehan. As for Micke, her season would end in the High Jump Preliminaries. Micke would finish tied for 12th with Martin Luther's Dynasty Fancher. This concludes the Tomahawk Track & Field Season.

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