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Workshops Target Outdoor Recreation Growth in Lincoln County

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Efforts are underway to shape the future of Lincoln County's outdoor recreation industry and boost the local economy. Following a public session last night in Tomahawk, community stakeholders are meeting today at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill to analyze local recreation infrastructure and identify opportunities for economic growth. The workshops come after Lincoln County was selected to participate in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation's Technical Assistance Program, in partnership with UW-Stout's Center for Sustainable Communities. The initiative brings together local, state, and federal partners to assess trail and water access, wayfinding, and business support across the county. Local officials say input from residents, business owners, and outdoor groups-including trail users, anglers, and tourism operators- is a critical piece of the planning process. According to Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, feedback gathered during these sessions will help pinpoint specific challenges and guide future public planning, capital investment, and regional partnerships. Today's session in Merrill continues through 3:30 this afternoon, with organizers planning to use the findings to build a long-term recreation strategy for the county.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Lincoln County and City of Merrill leaders are moving closer to finalizing a major update to local emergency medical services. After negotiations throughout the summer, a final contract agreement has reached the voting stage. At its meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement via voice vote following board discussion. In a joint news release, County Board Chair Don Friske and Merrill Mayor Steve Hass provided a brief overview of the deal. While EMS is legally a municipal responsibility under Wisconsin law, Lincoln County has coordinated services regionally since 1969, partnering with Merrill Fire and EMS in the south and Aspirus Health in Tomahawk to the north. Officials say the updated agreement modernizes a contract that hasn't been overhauled since 2007. Funding will jump from 1.3 million dollars this year to 1.6 million dollars next year, with a two-percent annual adjustment moving forward. Under the proposed terms, the county will supply the ambulances and communication equipment, while the city will be responsible for staffing and medical supplies. The deal grants the city operational flexibility to address rising call volumes, while offering the county long-term cost certainty. Following discussion at Tuesday's meeting, Board Chair Don Friske reflected on the negotiation process, stating: "We didn't always agree, but we were able to come up with an agreement that continues to provide a high quality of emergency medical service response while honoring the city's ability to provide oversight of their organization." The City of Merrill Committee of the Whole is expected to take up the contract at its meeting this coming Tuesday.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News A colorful new addition is taking shape in the heart of downtown Rhinelander. Muralist Alixandra Jade is currently at work on a new public art piece titled "Greetings from Rhinelander," painted on the side of the Flanders Realty building at 2 North Brown Street. Designed in the retro-style of a classic destination postcard, the large-scale mural features vibrant colors and artwork celebrating Northwoods scenery, the city's identity, and Rhinelander's iconic Hodag. Commissioned by the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce and funded through the Rhinelander Tourism and Marketing Committee, local officials say the project aims to revitalize the downtown core while creating a landmark for residents and visitors to enjoy and photograph. Jade has been working over the past few weeks transforming the brick background into a creative canvas, and community members are invited to head downtown to watch the transformation unfold in real time, or simply follow along on the Chamber Facebook for regular progress updates.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Here in the Northwoods, the fall colors have come and gone, leaving us with plenty of yard work. For those planning to clean up the yard over the weekend, experts encourage repurposing fallen leaves around the home rather than burning them. While burning yard waste might seem convenient, it releases air pollutants and carries a serious risk of sparking wildfires. Instead, a little creativity can put that yard waste to good use. First, consider leaving at least a portion of your lawn natural. Many beneficial insects, including essential pollinators, spend the winter hibernating under fallen leaves. Experts also point out that leaves are packed with carbon and minerals that naturally enrich your lawn and garden for next summer. Leaves work best when used as mulch, and you can speed up the decomposition process by running them over with a mulching mower or running them through a leaf shredder. Dried leaves also make an ideal base for compost piles. They recommend keeping a two-to-one ratio of brown material, like dry leaves, to green waste, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Finally, if you can't use your yard waste at home, most local municipalities offer drop-off locations or curb collection. As a quick reminder for City of Tomahawk residents, citywide curbside yardwaste pickup is scheduled for next week.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Major state and federal funding is heading to Northern Wisconsin to accelerate the removal of toxic lead water pipes. Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Natural Resources announced more than 102 million dollars in financial assistance awarded to twelve Wisconsin communities. The City of Wausau is set to receive the largest allocation in Northern Wisconsin, securing over 10.6 million dollars. City officials expect the funding to support the replacement of nearly 1,200 private lead service lines, with a major focus on lower-income census tracts. Nearly 4.9 million dollars of Wausau's package comes as principal forgiveness, with the remainder offered through ultra-low-interest loans. The City of Mellen, up in Ashland County will also receive funding. Funded through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program aims to eliminate lead pipes statewide. Governor Evers emphasized that no level of lead exposure is safe for children, noting the state has removed more than 86,000 lead lines since 2019.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Candidates competing for Wisconsin's open 7th Congressional District seat are meeting virtually today for a non-partisan candidate townhall. Democratic nominee Fred Clark and Republican nominee Michael Alfonso will field questions during the event, hosted by local chapters of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. With the seat open as current Representative Tom Tiffany runs for governor, the district covers much of northern Wisconsin, making agriculture and rural infrastructure central issues in the race. Organizers say today's forum runs virtually from noon to 1:30 p.m., focusing entirely on policy questions impacting regional farmers, rural businesses, and agricultural communities.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Volleyball Season Ends in First Round

Published on 10/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Volleyball season came to a quick end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night as they would get swept at Weyauwega-Fremont, 25-14, 25-12, 25-8. The Hatchets were unable to overcome hot starts by the Warhawks and allowed 13 aces in the match. In her final high school volleyball match, Senior Outside Hitter Averi Petta led the Hatchets with eight kills. Lexi Palmer had 12 assists on the night. Tomahawk finishes the 2026 season with a 6-29 overall record and a 1-9 Great Northern Conference record. The lone Hatchet Senior to graduate is Averi Petta.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

Published on 10/11/2026 under Sports At the Great Northern Conference Volleyball Tournament, Tomahawk went 1-2 in their matches Saturday. The Hatchets were swept by Mosinee and Medford in their first two matches. However, Tomahawk would steal a match against Rhinelander, winning in four sets. The Hatchets will finish the 2026 regular season with a 6-28 record and a 1-9 overall Great Northern Conference record. Seeding meetings across the state of Wisconsin will take place Monday. Stay tuned to find out who Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 3 Volleyball Postseason on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ.

Published on 10/10/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's cross country squads finished in the top ten once again, this time at the 50th Annual Hatchet Invitational Saturday. Tomahawk's girls placed fourth overall, behind Prentice/Rib Lake, Rhinelander, and Meet Champion Lakeland. Senior Elise Gibeault would finish fifth with a time of 20:14. Placing second on the Hatchets and 20th overall was Abbie Rosenmeier with a time of 22:46. Tomahawk's boys would place eighth overall in the invite, ahead of Crandon and Antigo. The top finisher was Jordyn Carew, placing 24th with a time of 18:33. Dawson Jones placed 35th with a time of 19:25. The next meet for Tomahawk is the Great Northern Conference Meet, which the Hatchets will host next Saturday. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show at 10:40 and opening events at 11:00. Alex Koch will have live updates on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Girls Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Rhinelander - 2nd Prentice/Rib Lake - 3rd Tomahawk - 4th Chequamegon - 5th Northland Pines - 6th Merrill - 7th Mosinee - 8th Medford - 9th Antigo - 10th Boys Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Rhinelander - 2nd Prentice/Rib Lake - 3rd Mosinee - 4th Medford - 5th Chequamegon - 6th Northland Pines - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Crandon - 9th Antigo - 10th

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