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Lincoln County Business, Community Leaders Meet for Annual Economic Summit

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members are gathering today to focus on strengthening small business and economic growth in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its 2026 Economic Summit, themed "Energizing the Small Business Spirit." The summit is designed to bring together regional partners and local businesses to share ideas, build connections, and explore strategies for success. LCEDC Executive Director Sara Guild anticipated more than 100 people would take part. The morning session features updates on regional economic trends, a keynote on innovation in rural communities, and a panel discussion with local business owners. A statewide perspective on economic conditions will also be shared. Following some networking and lunch, the afternoon sessions are focused on practical tools for small businesses, including financing partnerships, marketing strategies, and community engagement. The day wraps up with a closing presentation by Mike Hobbs, a rural entrepreneur and community development advocate. He'll be highlighting how small-town businesses can drive broader community growth. This is the third year for the Lincoln County Economic Summit, which alternates locations between Tomahawk and Merrill. This year, they're back in Merrill.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for volunteers busy picking up a winter's worth of trash and recyclables along local roadways. Mirrored off the WisDoT's popular Adopt-A-Highway program, many local highway departments have similar outreach efforts. That includes the Oneida County Highway Department which currently partners with 41 volunteer groups and organizations, who have pledged to maintain two-mile segments of Oneida County roadways throughout the year. Many of those groups have been taking advantage of the early start to spring, by picking up the roadside litter. The Oneida County Highway Department is asking drivers to be on the lookout and leave the groups plenty of space alongside the road. The volunteers are typically outfitted with high visibility vests while they work. There are still some road segments available for adoption. Those interested can reach out to the Highway Department during office hours. Or if you'd like to simply volunteer, specifically in the Nokomis area, there is a roadside clean-up planned for Saturday. They're meeting at the Nokomis Town Hall at 8am for assignments.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two men were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Thursday as deputies were working on what was described as a directed patrol effort targeting illegal drug trafficking. During this detail a deputy observed a vehicle speeding and radioed ahead to a second deputy for a traffic stop. According to the report, deputies requested the assistance of Lincoln County's K9 unit. They said, "During an exterior sniff of the vehicle, K9 Nina alerted positive." During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies recovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia. As a result the driver and passenger were taken into custody on charges including possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. They have been identified as Eric Walloch and Patrick Grady, both of Eagle River. Both men were transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two drivers were let off with warnings after an apparent road rage incident escalated. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday on Highway 51 near Merrill. Deputies were initially dispatched to a driving complaint involving two vehicles operating recklessly. According to the report, while deputies were en route, dispatchers remained in contact with those involved and were able to direct both drivers to pull over at separate locations to wait for law enforcement. The initial caller, a 33-year-old man from Rhinelander, told deputies the other driver had, at one point, waved a handgun. Deputies also spoke with the second driver, a 47-year-old man from Oklahoma, who acknowledged becoming upset with the other driver's behavior. He admitted that he armed himself with a handgun, but said he did not point the weapon at anyone. After investigating, deputies said they were unable to determine definitively whether a law violation had occurred. Both individuals were released with warnings.______ A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 40 year old Merrill man is facing a number of citations after a reckless driving stop including a 4th offense operating after revocation, false registration plates, and illegal window tint. The driver told the deputy he was on his way to the court house at the time of the traffic stop for a court appearance on an unrelated traffic matter. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down with just one reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News With spring's arrival, it's almost time to hit the trails in Lincoln County, whether you prefer horsepower or pedal power. Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks has announced that the equestrian and mountain bike trails at the Underdown Recreation Area will officially open for the season on Friday (May 1 at 8am). Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says trail users should be prepared for typical early-season conditions as the ground continues to thaw. That means riders may encounter soft or muddy areas, uneven terrain, standing water, and debris such as fallen branches or leaning trees. They ask that trail users follow signage and stay on the trails. Behrens offered credit to local volunteer groups, including the Underdown Horse Club and the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition, for their ongoing maintenance and preparation efforts which play a key role in keeping the trail network accessible. Riders are encouraged to show their support by thanking volunteers, getting involved with local clubs, and supporting businesses that contribute to trail upkeep.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News A local nurse was recently recognized with prestigious professional honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored nurse manager Claire Horant with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. While many recipients are nominated by patients, hers came from a co-worker. The nomination wrote, in part: Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does. She is not only hardworking, but she consistently brings positive attitude that lifts the spirits of those around her. Through her actions, she inspires those around her to give their best, not just for our patients, but for one another as colleagues. As a Daisy recipient, Horant received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Softball Team Finishes 1-2 at Monroe Tourney

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad would go 1-2 in their invite at Twining Park in Monroe Saturday afternoon. The Hatchets started off the day with a 12-9 victory over Beloit Memorial. In that game, the Hatchets got home runs from Autumn Merrigan, Averi Petta, and Siennah Caulkins. Camryn Kraklow picked up the win, allowing seven runs in three innings. Game Two saw Tomahawk lose to Orangeville, Illinois, 14-13. Petta had another monster game, knocking two out of the park and batting in six. Ellie Micke would have two hits and three RBIs. The Hatchets' final game was a defeat to the host Monroe, 9-1. Tomahawk's lone run came on a sacrifice fly by Sophie Olsen in the first inning. The Hatchets had three hits and four errors in the loss. Tomahawk now sits at 4-7 on the season and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will travel up to Eagle River Tuesday for a Great Northern Conference Showdown with Northland Pines. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad would place fifth in their first Great Northern Conference meet of the season in Merrill Friday afternoon. The shorthanded Hatchets finished with a team score of 347, seven strokes behind Merrill. Oliver Childers finished as the low golfer, placing seventh with a 78. Jordyn Carew and Jaxon Kaiser placed second on the team with an 84. Tomahawk's next GNC Meet is at Inshalla Country Club Tuesday. Tee-off is at 3:00.

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Track & Field Squads competed at the Northland Pines Eagle Outdoor Relays Friday evening. Tomahawk came away with seven total second place finishes in the meet. Beau Stromberg placed second in the triple jump while Luke Morrison placed second in the long jump. Placing second in the High Jump and Pole Vault, respectively were Reagan Gorrell and Alicia Voermans. Voermans was also a part of the 4x200 Relay and the SMR 800 runs that placed second. The Hatchets' next meet is in Wautoma next Friday.

Published on 04/24/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad put up double-digit runs for the third time this year, dominating the Antigo Red Robins at TK Field Thursday night, 16-8. The Hatchets scored at least two runs in every inning, including ten in the final three. Cash Olsen finished three for five with a double, a triple, and a home run, along with six RBIs. Olsen also picked up the win on the mound, giving up just one run and striking out eight. Max Larson finished with three RBIs, improving the Hatchet record to 4-3 on the season, and 4-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk is back in action Tuesday for another home GNC Battle against Northland Pines. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will be in the broadcast booth with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00 on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ.

Published on 04/24/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Softball Squad was swept in their Great Northern Conference Doubleheader at Antigo Thursday. Game 1 Saw Tomahawk come back from down 7-1, but came up just short, losing, 8-7. Ellie Micke finished two for three. Kylie Peissig finished with a two-run single. Camryn Kraklow picked up the loss, giving up seven runs in two innings. As for Game Two, the Hatchets surrendered nine runs in the final inning, losing, 17-9. Tomahawk would allow three home runs in Game Two, including a grand slam in the seventh. Aubrey Seubert would hit her first home run of the season, one of two hits she finished with. Anita Ziert would go two for four with three runs scored. The losses drop Tomahawk to 3-5 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action for a tournament down in Monroe Saturday. Game One is against Madison East/LaFollette.

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