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Tomahawk Public Library Connects Community During Monday Internet/Cell Phone Outage

Published on 08/06/2026 under News A widespread communications outage earlier this week turned the Tomahawk Public Library into an unexpected hub for remote workers, residents and visitors looking to get back online. Much of the Tomahawk area lost both internet and cell service Monday, disrupting work, communication and daily routines for much of the day. As people searched for a reliable connection, many found their way to the library which maintained internet service. During her monthly report to the Tomahawk City Council, Library Director Heidi O'Hare said approximately 150 people visited the library to use its Wi-Fi network. O'Hare said many patrons were especially grateful to have internet access available, noting that many rely on a connection to do their jobs from home. With nearly every seat occupied, the library was busier than a typical summer afternoon. O'Hare noted that some visitors mentioned the Wi-Fi seemed a little slower than usual, but said that was likely because people were using it throughout the building and even outside. The outage was restored by mid-afternoon, but the unexpected rush served as a reminder that today's public libraries offer more than books. For many communities, they also provide a critical connection when other services go down.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News Several Northwoods communities are set to receive state funding to repair aging culverts and small bridges under a new Wisconsin transportation program. Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced nearly $30 million in grants through the new Local Small Structures Improvement Program. The grants cover up to 90 percent of project costs for culverts and small bridge structures that are critical to rural transportation networks. Locally, the Town of Schley in Lincoln County will receive nearly $572,000, while the Town of Pine Lake in Oneida County was awarded more than $202,000. Additional grants were also awarded to six municipalities in Price County and five in Taylor County. State officials say the improvements will help keep rural roads safe while supporting the movement of agricultural and forestry products that are vital to Northwoods communities. The 101 projects were selected from more than 430 applications statewide, with funding aimed at replacing or repairing structures identified in poor or severe condition. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. "Judging by the number of applications received and funding requested, there is a lot of need for this program."

Published on 08/06/2026 under News The community of Boulder Junction is continuing to earn statewide recognition for its push to expand outdoor recreation. Earlier this summer, Parks Board member Dennis Duke was named the 2026 Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry "Rising Star." State officials visited the Northwoods this past week to officially present Duke with the plaque and celebrate his work. Since joining the board in 2021, Duke has helped lead several major projects—including an inclusive playground, "The Glide" outdoor skating ribbon, and the Tall Pines Disc Golf Course, where the ceremony took place. Beyond planning, state officials praised Duke for his "boots-on-the-ground" leadership in physically transforming these spaces. During their visit, leaders from the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation also toured local facilities to see Boulder Junction's investments firsthand. The recognition marks the second consecutive year the Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Board has received a Governor's Outdoor Industry Award. Last year, "The Glide" ice skating ribbon was honored with the Ascent Award for Innovation.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News The DNR is again asking the public to become citizen scientists and participate in a pair of wildlife surveys. Operation Deer Watch is an opportunity to help collect information on the state deer population. Whether in the woods, on the road, or other outdoor locations, participants are asked to record all buck, doe, and fawn sightings. The data provides biologists insight into the reproductive status of the herd and helps shape deer management in the state. In addition to Operation Deer Watch, which runs through September 30, the DNR also has another ongoing survey for game bird broods. Paul Frater is the DNR surveys coordinator. He says, "Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can get involved and collect data in your area. The more data that is collected, the better our understanding of game species abundance and distribution in Wisconsin." The surveys are simple and can be submitted via your phone, as long as you're not driving. More information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News If you're looking for an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth this month, downtown Rhinelander has you covered. Explore Rhinelander just launched its inaugural "Sweet Stop Stroll," partnering with six downtown businesses to offer a tour of local treats. Anyone who collects a stamp from all six participating spots will be entered into a drawing to win local prizes. According to Lauren Sackett with the Rhinelander Chamber, the stroll is meant to be a fun, interactive way for people of all ages to explore downtown, boost foot traffic, and support local retailers. People of all ages are invited to participate in this end-of-summer celebration, and there's no judgement if you go back for seconds. To get started, pick up a stamp card at the Rhinelander Chamber & Visitor Center or any participating business. You can also find more details linked on the Explore Rhinelander website.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News A local credit union continues to expand its footprint in North Central Wisconsin. This week, Park City Credit Union announced plans to open a new full-service branch in Stevens Point, located at the current Connexus Credit Union facility on Business Park Drive. Park City Credit Union is expected to officially purchase the property later this fall and open the branch to members soon afterward. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union, said, "We look forward to welcoming new members to the Park City Credit Union family and are eager to share the benefits of our financial products and services with the Stevens Point community." Back in May, Park City opened its first branch in Wausau. The credit union now serves seven communities, including Merrill, Tomahawk, Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Wisconsin Rapids.

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Sports Headlines

Gibeault Places 3rd in 400 meter dash

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.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

Published on 05/28/2026 under Sports Despite coming back from down four runs in the fifth inning, Tomahawk's baseball squad would fall in extra innings in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field to the Crandon Cardinals, 8-5. The Hatchets trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before tying the game up behind two-run hits from Nick Arndt and Max Larson. After the Hatchets stranded the winning run on third in the seventh, Crandon rolled off three runs off Hatchet pitcher Logan Norman to take the lead. Tomahawk would bring the tying run to the plate, but Arndt flew out to center to end the game and the season. Arndt finished two for five with a triple and two RBIs. Max Larson finished one for five with a double and two RBIs. Despite pitching five scoreless innings and retiring ten straight, Norman absorbed the loss on the mound. The Hatchets finish the 2026 season with a 9-11 record and a 7-7 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk graduates Norman, Arndt, Jonah Dickens, Wally Horabik, Colton Seslar, and Brody Hilgendorf.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

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