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Officials Remind Drivers of Snowplow Safety after Uptick in Accidents

Published on 02/05/2026 under News As winter begins to wind down, officials are once again reminding drivers about snowplow safety. The message comes after 13 separate accidents involving vehicles and county snowplows around the state this winter. These crashes resulted in vehicle damage and forced several plows out of service, temporarily reducing highway department abilities to clear roads efficiently. The DoT and the Wisconsin County Highway Association teamed up to share this message. In many cases, they note snowplows have been struck from behind, highlighting the need for drivers to remain alert and adjust their driving behavior in winter conditions. WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden says, "Every time a snowplow is hit, it puts operators at risk and takes critical equipment off the road. Drivers need to slow down, stay back and be patient." They note that snowplows will travel at slower speeds to more effectively apply liquid brine or road salts. Following too closely or attempting to pass an active plow puts everyone at risk. Snowplows have flashing amber or green warning lights to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News Earlier this week, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry released their annual impact report which showed just how instrumental they are in the community. According to the report, they were able to distribute more than 940,000 pounds of food providing food assistance to more than 2,300 neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In addition to shopping at the food pantry, they also provide nutrition through their Hodag Monster Meals, the summer Hodag Food Wagon, and monthly Senior Stock Boxes. Even some 90,000 pounds of food they weren't able to distribute was redirected to local animal rescues like Wild Instincts or farmers. Their mission is only possible through the community. They note that 75% of their funding comes from donations and fundraisers. As for volunteers, more than 350 people provided approximately 19,600 volunteer hours. Executive Director Courtney Smith says, "We are inspired by what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and compassion. Your generosity and commitment fuel our mission." The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry turned twenty years old in 2025.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk is seeking some outside funding to help as they continue to plan for a PFAs treatment facility. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved an agreement with engineering firm MSA to submit an application for the state's Safe Drinking Water program. The city has already been working with MSA on this project. Applications do require pilot studies which are also currently ongoing. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. With tightening regulations, the city has been exploring a treatment facility. A 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. The Safe Drinking Water program could cover up to half the construction costs of the project. The deadline to apply for the current cycle of the Safe Drinking Water program is in June.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society worked with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for an unusual animal rescue this week. The teams were called to a property after the owners had moved, leaving behind 28 chickens and a turkey. Fortunately the Lincoln County Humane Society has already been able to re-home the birds. They did use this situation as a good example to seek help if you can't care for your animals. They said, "If the owners had reached out... it's possible we could have assisted with finding homes for (the birds) before they were left in such extreme outdoor conditions, with little protection from the elements." Even if you have an animal that LCHS can't easily house like farm animals or exotic pets, they do have connections and contacts to other rescues or resources that may be of assistance. They noted that Lincoln County residents are not charged a surrender fee.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News Many skaters begin with pond hockey, playing on frozen waterways large and small. Coming up this weekend, the Minocqua community is bringing the game back to basics. The American Pond Hockey Invitational returns to the Northwoods with three days of play on Lake Minocqua. The event began in 2022 when a group of Min-Aqua Bats alumni saw the frozen Aqua Bowl as a perfect setting to celebrate the game, the community, and winter in the Northwoods. Now in it's fourth year, the event has grown to feature six rinks and plenty of other attractions, both onsite and around the community. (Visitor's Guide) Through these collaborations, American Pond Hockey has become both a winter tradition and a catalyst for positive local impact, a reminder that the coldest months can bring the community closer together. That includes a public skating initiative, local partnerships with businesses to promote the region as a destination, as well as community fundraising opportunities impacting dozens of local groups and organizations. It is free for spectators. Games get underway on Friday and will continue through the championship rounds on Sunday morning. The event comes right on the heels of another successful pond hockey tournament up in Eagle River last weekend.

Published on 02/04/2026 under News Last month the Tomahawk City Council voted to place a levy referendum on the April ballot. In the lead up to the vote, city leaders will be reaching out to the public. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council scheduled three public informational meetings at SARA Park in March. The goal of the meetings will be to explain why the city is requesting additional funding. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The Council is looking for a 20% increase to the base levy going forward, approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of around $75 for a $100,000 property. The decision in Tomahawk comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. At the informational sessions, they plan to review some of the previous cuts, as well as services that could be impacted in the future. In addition to the City Council members, they have also asked department heads to participate. In order to reach as many people as possible, the Council attempted to cover different times and days when scheduling the meetings. They are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 4 at 1pm; Saturday March 7 at 10am; and Thursday, March 19 at 6pm. (Dates and times are subject to change, we'll offer a reminder as those dates are confirmed.) In addition to the meetings, they also plan to include a fact sheet in utility bills as well as traditional and social media. Voters will decide on the referendum April 7.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Hockey Team Wins Tenth Straight - Defeat Northland Pines

Published on 02/04/2026 under Sports The Hatchet hockey squad completed a perfect Great Northern Conference season for the second consecutive year, defeating Northland Pines in Eagle River Tuesday, 6-3. Tomahawk got on the board first, when Landyn Seymour scored at the 6:50 mark of the first with an assist from Jett Reilly. Northland Pines would answer 00:47 later, when Hunter Tameling scored. The Hatchets would gain a 2-1 lead with a Jett Reilly goal, assisted by Jonah Dickens and Brayden Lamer. Tomahawk led 2-1 after one. The Hatchet built a 3-1 lead in the second, when Jonah Dickens scored from Reilly and Seymour. The Eagles again would answer, Jazek Jantzen scored with just 2:01 remaining in the period and Tomahawk led 3-2 after two. The Eagle would get a power play goal with 10:35 remaining in the game to tie it at 3-3. The Hatchets would then scored three unanswered goals. Seymour scored a power play goal assisted by Dickens to give Tomahawk a 4-3 lead. With just under four minutes remaining in the game, Reilly scored his second of the night; assisted by Dickens and Seymour and Tomahawk led 5-3. Dickens would cap off the scoring with an empty netter with 2:24 remaining in the game; Seymour with the assist. Jonah Dickens had two goals and three assists, Jett Reilly had two goals and two assists and Landyn Seymour had two goals and three assists. Hudson Seymour gets the win, as Tomahawk outshot Northland Pines 23-18 The win puts Tomahawk at 20-3 on the year and 10-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Playoff Hockey seeding meetings will be held Sunday morning. Tomahawk will wrap up the home portion of their schedule next Tuesday against East-Merrill United. Alex Koch and Zach Garner will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 6:35 and opening faceoff is at 7:00.

Published on 02/04/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Girls Basketball Team hosted Rib Lake at the Hatchet House on Tuesday night. Tomahawk lost 54-36. However, the biggest highlight of the night came from Hatchet Senior Freya Alberg. Tomahawk's center became the second player in girls' basketball school history to eclipse 1,000 career points. Alberg joins Becki Hoegland on the 1,000-point mountain in Hatchet girls' basketball history. Alberg also led the Hatchets in scoring with 19 points. Tomahawk's girls now fall to 10-9 on the season. The Hatchet ladies resume Great Northern Conference play Thursday at home against Antigo. Tip is at 6:00.

Published on 02/04/2026 under Sports The Hatchet male wrestlers wrapped their regular season with an impressive 60-12 victory at Great Northern Conference rival Mosinee Tuesday night. Tomahawk won six matches by forfeit and five by fall. The Hatchets lost only two matches the whole night. The only matches Tomahawk won by decision were Dane Islo at 132 pounds and Wally Horabik at 144 pounds. The Hatchets finish the 2025-26 season with a 9-3 dual record. Tomahawk has their Great Northern Conference meet in Medford coming up Saturday. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will have the broadcast with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Premeet Show at 9:40 and opening matches beginning at 10:00.

Published on 02/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys would suffer their ninth straight defeat to Rib Lake, losing, 68-25. Ryan Montag led the Hatchets in scoring with eight points. The Hatchet boys drop to 2-15 on the season. Tomahawk resumes Great Northern Conference play Friday against Merrill. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 02/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys wrestling squad would finish up their home portion of their schedule with a close loss in their Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo Monday night, 35-30. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 7-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action tonight to wrap up their regular season at Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee. Events begin at 7:00.

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