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Tomahawk Kinship Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign for Purchase of Bradley Bank Building

Published on 04/25/2025 under News Earlier this month, Kinship of Tomahawk announced plans to potentially move into the historic Bradley Bank building on Main Street. Now they're turning to the community for some financial support to complete the deal. We were joined by Kinship director Patti Hilgendorf on Thursday to discuss the exciting news and kick off their fundraising efforts. The tentative agreement with the Associated Bank, the current owner of the property, is pending Kinship securing enough funding by summer. For those unfamiliar Tomahawk Kinship is a mentor program. Over the years, they've made more than 300 matches, while also providing services such as after-school activities, tutoring, and group outings. Hilgendorf explained the success of the program has left them 'bursting at the seams' in their Kins-House. That location is also thanks to a local bank, Crossbridge. Hilgendorf called the partnership amazing, but also acknowledged they've outgrown the current space. When Associated Bank closed their local branch, Hilgendorf reach out. They were able to work out a purchase agreement, and Kinship kicked off a fundraising campaign to meet their $300,000 goal by early-July. Behind the scenes, Hilgendorf says they're preparing more than a dozen grant applications. Since announcing their plans two weeks ago, she noted they've received several thousand dollars in pledges or donations. They've recently launched a Go Fund Me and created a committee to coordinate other fundraising efforts. Hilgendorf says people can stop by the Kinship House, visit their website or follow their social media. We'll include a link to their GoFundMe in the online version of the story. That conversation is available in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News When taking care of spring cleaning, people are encouraged to check their medicine cabinets as well. The first of two scheduled drug-take back events takes place on Saturday across the state of Wisconsin. Officials note that ridding your home of unused and unwanted prescriptions not only clears clutter, but also eliminates the chance of misuse while also offering an environmentally safe way to dispose of medications. Residents here in Lincoln County are fortunate to have 4 permanent drop-off locations. That includes both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments as well as Marshfield Clinic-Merrill and Tomahawk Pharmacy. While these locations are available year round, the dedicated collection efforts offer a good reminder to utilize these services. In addition to a number of permanent drop-off locations, law enforcement and health officials are teaming up to create hundreds of temporary locations. Wisconsin is annually a nationwide leader in these efforts.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News Each year the Friends of Council Grounds put in many hours to ensure people continue to enjoy the state park here in Lincoln County. Ahead of their busiest season, the group is recruiting volunteers to participate in their Work-Play-Earth Day activities. It's part of a larger series of clean-up efforts coordinated by the DNR at various state park properties. They're looking for individuals, families, clubs, and organizations to lend a helping hand. They'll be clearing branches, debris and litter from park trails, picnic areas and campsites while also picking up litter in those spaces. You don't have to be a 'Friends' member to participate, and there is no commitment to join. They'll be meeting at the park entrance at 9am Saturday morning to hand out assignments. It's a good idea to dress accordingly with good shoes, a pair of gloves and tick protection. Park admission fees will be waived for volunteers for the day.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News After starting off the week with Earth Day activities and education, today is focused on the trees. The last Friday of April is Arbor Day. The observance was started in Nebraska more than 100 years ago and continues to this date. The DNR continues to take part in their annual mission of providing tree education to young learners. Along with classroom lessons, many students can get their hands dirty by planting a tree themselves. This gives kids a chance to follow the growth of the tree throughout their schooling. The DNR has once again donated tree seedlings to fourth-grade classrooms around the state for students to plant, some 54,000 in all. Wisconsin is home to around 17 million acres of forest lands that offer numerous benefits through the forest industry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and protecting the environment. DNR Applied Forestry bureau director Carmen Hardin says Arbor Day is a good time to reflect the importance of both urban and rural forests. She added, "Everyone has a role in ensuring that both continue to serve a vital role in the ecological, cultural and economic health of our state, our local communities and our individual lives."

Published on 04/25/2025 under News A teen charged for his role in the lead-up to a fatal attack at Lincoln Hills reached a plea deal. Rian Nyblom was back in Lincoln County Court Thursday. The 18 year old was allegedly asked by another juvenile inmate, Javarius Hurd, to provide soap that would be used in a planned attack on a female staff member at the youth correctional facility located in Lincoln County. Counselor Corey Proulx intervened in the initial altercation and sustained fatal injuries. At yesterday's hearing, Nyblom pleaded guilty to amended charges, two counts of battery by a prisoner as party to a crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced August 6. Hurd is facing charges as well.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News For first-time parents, bringing a little one in the world can be a learning experience. Here in Lincoln County, a twice-annual event provides information and resources for new and expecting families. The Lincoln County Health Department has taken lead on organizing Community Baby Showers, alternating between Tomahawk and Merrill. The northern version returns this afternoon Lexi Buntrock, Public Health Educator for the Lincoln County Health Department says, "It is a one-stop-shop that connects expecting families, and those with young children, with the education and resources." Parents can pick and choose the topics they wish to learn more about, just a few of the many examples include nutrition, literacy, and childcare. Buntrock added, "We are excited to have returning agencies and groups represented, along with new ones." At past editions, they've asked attendees to fill out a survey about their experience. Buntrock says the response has been unanimous in saying it has been worth their time. The Community Baby Shower is free to attend, and people may even get some giveaways. It's from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News Northwoods Counties were the largest beneficiary in the annual County Forest Road Aid from the state. The Department of Transportation announced that assistance this past week. Overall, 24 Wisconsin counties will share in a little more $320,000 to maintain and improve public roads in county forests. While not main thoroughfares, these county roads played a critical role in various sectors including recreation and timber. The qualifying roads meet a number of criteria and cannot be town roads, county or state highways. Statewide, more than 900 miles of roads qualified. Locally, Lincoln County claimed 27 miles, good for about $9,500. Oneida County's 39 miles received a little more than $13,000. Vilas County has around 50 miles which received $17,000. Marinette County, with more than 240 miles of designated roads, received about a quarter of the overall funding. The County Forest Road Aid is separate from the General Transportation Aid.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News While we wait for the eggs to hatch, Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies are getting ready to name the latest brood of peregrine falcons. In the coming weeks, the new chicks will emerge from their shells located within the nesting boxes at power generating facilities. That includes the eggs at the Weston Power Plant. Each year they leave it up to the public to select the names. With the peregrine falcon program around for 30 years now, WPS is looking back at the past for this year's naming nominees. Dubbed the 'Founding Feathers', twenty prolific peregrines have been responsible for almost 300 falcon chicks. That includes Atlanta who produced 41 chicks at the Oak Creek Power Plant in early 2000s and Rosalee who called the Weston Power Plant home for five years and raised 19 chicks. People can visit the WPS website to learn more about the previous generations of birds and cast a vote for their favorite names before May 8. Once the chicks hatch, they'll be named and banded before eventually leaving the nest. And fans can also keep an eye on the nest box cams for signs of hatching eggs.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News Backyard chicken owners are reminding to use heating devices safely after a fire in Oneida County on Wednesday. According to the Pine Lake Fire Department crews were paged to a home on Lake Thompson Road for a report of a chicken coop on fire. The call came in from the owner at around 4:30 yesterday morning. Crews were able to put out the fire, but the coop sustained extensive damage. Unfortunately, they noted that some of the chickens perished. They believe the cause of the fire was a heat lamp used to keep the coop warm. Crews were on the scene for around an hour.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News The deer hunting season is still a half year away, but planning the season structure is ongoing. Over the next two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils in each county around the state will meet to form recommendations on antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options. These recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted as needed in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other factors. There are a few meetings taking place this week including Langlade County, this evening, (Thursday, April 24) at the Langlade County Resource Center in Antigo starting at 6:30pm. As for next week, on Tuesday, both Oneida County and Vilas County will have their meetings at the Woodruff and Boulder Junction Town Halls respectively. Lincoln County's meeting is one week from tonight, Thursday, May 1 at 7pm in the Lincoln County Service Center. We'll offer up a reminder as that date approaches. Once finalized, the recommendations are sent to the Natural Resources Board for final approval.

Published on 04/24/2025 under News Three Nicolet students have advanced in Shark Tank-style business competition. The goal of the NEW Ideas Pitch Contest serves is to serve as an educational experience intended to help student entrepreneurs improve their skills organizing and presenting their business ideas. The first-place pitch came from Allysa Scheuermann and April Stine, enrolled in the Nicolet culinary management program. Their idea was a special handled, sippy cup designed for elderly adults. Another Nicolet student placed second. Karina Slizewski pitched a flight simulator business to advance pilot training and education in northern Wisconsin. She is enrolled in the business management program. In addition to cash prizes, the three students advanced to a regional competition where they'll be compared to students and ideas from other Wisconsin tech schools. And the Nicolet students will have home field advantage as the event will be held on campus in the Nicolet Theater. The event on May 1 is also open to the public for those that would like to see what it's about.

Published on 04/23/2025 under News There are a number of resources available to for those who served, but one challenge is connecting veterans with these services. Coming up this afternoon, Northwoods veterans will be able to learn about many of these programs, all in one location. The Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill will host the Tri-County Heroes Event, It is a collaborative effort between the Tomah VA Medical Center and the Veteran Service Offices of Taylor, Price and Lincoln Counties. Noting the process of navigating benefits and services can often be complex or challenging, organizers are hoping to provide both convenience and assistance. They've arranged to have around two dozen organizations that each special in different areas of support, offering veterans a one-stop-shop to learn more. Just a few examples include Patriot K9s, a service dog program; the Department of Workforce Development for work assistance; and programs focused on recovery. Another key area is veteran health benefits. In addition to vets themselves, the Expo may also be useful for families or caregivers of veterans. The Tri-County Heroes Event runs from 1pm to 5pm at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill.

Published on 04/23/2025 under News It won't be long before road construction barrels are out on area roads. Officials are reminding motorists to make it a safe summer for everyone to share the road. It is Work Zone Awareness week, a time to promote cautious driving in work zones and respecting road construction crews. We've heard from both local law enforcement and the Department of Transportation in this messaging. The theme of this year's campaign is 'Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home." DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman, "This year's work zone safety theme should resonate with all of us; we all want to get home to our loved ones after a workday." Boardman also recognized the two construction workers and eight motorists who tragically died in work zone accidents. In 2024, DoT data showed more than 2,100 work zone crashes. Common factors include speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving, with cell phone use in particular. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office offered up a similar warning. It came after a a deputy was approached by a highway worker who reported motorists were not appropriately slowing down in a work zone. They wrote, "Please remember those are real people out there just trying to make our roads safer, and as such they deserve to work in as safe of an environment that they can."

Published on 04/23/2025 under News Summer roadwork will be ramping up in the coming weeks, and Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer offered a preview of the local construction calendar. According to the announcement, they are planning resurfacing projects on segments of five county highways, 13 miles in all. This work is currently scheduled between April 30 and July 3. •CTH A – Erickson Road to Willow Road (1.54 Miles) •CTH C – CTH JJ to CTH K (1.5 Miles) •CTH CC – STH 8 to Somo Dam Road •CTH E – US 86 South to Spirit River Bridge (1.48 Miles) •CTH U – US 8 to CTH A (2.11 Miles)Around 9 miles of County D will have chip-sealing treatment in early August. And August is also set aside for some culvert replacements including County W. During work, roads will be limited to local traffic and lengthy delays can be expected at times. As these projects get underway, we'll provide details and construction updates as we receive them.

Published on 04/23/2025 under News While the first pick in the NFL Draft won't come until Thursday, festivities have been taking place all week long. A local restaurant is being featured at a special fine dining event this evening. Wisconsin is well-known for its supper clubs, which serve as inspiration for tonight's 'Taste of the Draft'. Twenty supper clubs were invited to serve up signature dishes. Ticket holders will get to sample the cuisine while mingling with Packer legends and restaurateurs. With Green Bay hosting, the Fox Valley is well-represented. Northern Wisconsin will also be showcased with Bootlegger's Lodge, located just north of Tomahawk on the shores of Lake Nokomis. Known for their steak selections, the Bootlegger's entry will be a New York strip with a cherry demi-glace. In addition to the fine dining, the Taste of the Draft also serves as a fundraiser for GENYOUth. The non-profit is focused on tackling student food insecurity and promtion of physical activity in youth. That includes grants awarded to schools. Tonight's event will be hosted by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern with others include LeRoy Butler, Ahman Green, and even Miss America.

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