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Lincoln County Warming Centers & Cold Weather Safety Tips

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Lincoln County Health Department is reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves from extreme cold this winter. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia and has the potential to be life threatening. Anyone can have health issues from cold weather, but some people have a higher risk. This includes older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and those who do not have safe, warm housing. Lincoln County is fortunate to have organizations and businesses who volunteer to serve as warming centers. These places welcome the public to get relief from extreme cold during their business hours. We would like to thank the following locations for serving as Warming Centersthis winter. Gleason Bowling Center N4878 Hwy 17, Gleason (715) 873-4588 Monday, 11 am – close, Tuesday, closed, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 am – close, Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-9405 Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm, Friday, 11am – 11pm, Saturday, 9am – 11pm, Sunday, 11am – 4pm Lincoln County Service Center801 N. Sales Street, Merrill Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4:30 pm Friday, 8 am – 1 pm MAC Home Warming Center407 W. Main Street, Merrill (715) 722-1200 Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 9 pm (standard screening will be done upon entry) Merrill Enrichment Center303 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 536-4226 Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm Riverside Athletic Club500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2481 Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 8 pm Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC)1100 Marc Drive, Merrill (715) 536-7313 Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4pm Strikers Tomahawk Bowl309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-3245 Monday, 5 – 11pm, Tuesday, 3 – 11pm, Wednesday – Sunday, noon – 11pm (hours may vary) T.B. Scott Free Library106 W. First Street, Merrill (715) 536-7191 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Tomahawk City Hall (715) 453-4040 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk Monday – Friday, 8 am – 12pm, 1 – 5pm Tomahawk Public Library300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-2455 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm Tomahawk Senior Center113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-5757 Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm Wal-Mart505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2414 Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Stay safe during extreme cold, by following these tips: • Watch the weather and follow public safety recommendations. • Be prepared by having an emergency supply kit for your home and vehicle with essentials like food, water, portable phone chargers, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothing. • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Stay Warm and Indoors • Minimize outdoor activities. • Dress in layers of loose, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Layers trap heat and can help insulate your body. • Wear water repellent jackets, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots. • Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold. • Be safe when using space heaters, a fireplace, or woodstove to heat your home. • Seek out warming centers if needed. Check In on Others • Know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering and disorientation). Seek medical help right away. • Check on family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Downtown Tomahawk will get into the holiday spirit with the return of Hometown Christmas this evening. This is the sixth year of the revitalized community celebration. It's a collaboration of Hometown Christmas and Main Street Memories Christmas. Festivities actually began in late November with the lighting of the Main Street Christmas tree, sleigh rides, and other festivities. In part two, coming up on Friday the highlights include the Christmas parade and the live window displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to preview the evening. She says the atmosphere of the evening is just magical, made even better if there is just a light snow falling to perfect the setting. That's amplified by the volunteer Christmas Carolers who add to the spirit. She enjoys seeing families walking up and down the street checking out the windows and visiting the small shops and bumping into friends and other familiar faces. There are also a lot of great photo opportunities perfect for Christmas cards or social media posts. They'll also have hot cocoa and cider or enjoy cookies and treats to enjoy by the fire pits and warming stations. The parade kicks off the evening at 5pm with the live mannequin displays to follow.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Acute Stroke Ready Certification. To earn the certification, the hospital underwent a rigorous, on-site review in November. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations and interviews and evaluated the hospital's compliance with related certification standards including program management, processes for delivering clinical care, and performance improvement – standards that are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The Tomahawk Hospital Team represents multiple hospital disciplines whose efforts strive to provide extraordinary outcomes for each patient they treat, knowing that every stroke journey is unique. Crucial to the Stroke Team's readiness is their continuous education and knowledge of community risk factors leading to stroke, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The team uses this knowledge, along with clinical practice guidelines, to proactively collaborate with all Aspirus providers to offer patient education and resources. Time is of the utmost importance. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the outcome. Aspirus Health encourages everyone to use BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke: • Balance; sudden loss of coordination • Eyes; sudden change in vision • Face; sudden weakness on one side or facial droop • Arm; sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness • Speech; sudden slurred speech • Terrible Headache or Time to call 9-1-1 If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News The Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will be honoring the veterans laid to rest on their grounds as part of a special nationwide holiday program. Coming up Saturday, in National Veterans' Cemeteries around the country, VA officials, family members and volunteers will take part in Wreaths Across America. Over the past few months, they have been busy working to ensure that families, loved ones, and heroes are honored and remembers over the holidays. This is done through the placement of Christmas wreaths at each burial sites. Similar events are taking part around the country. While the tradition dates back further, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw has participated since opening in 2019. The wreaths are sponsored and the local cemetery exceeds their goal each year with more than 500 wreaths sponsored this year. This year's theme is 'KEEP MOVING FORWARD' Organizers note, "There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. As for the schedule for Saturday's events, the ceremony will begin at 11am with the ceremonial wreath placement to follow. And they're teaming up with Rondele Ranch, just down the road, for a luncheon following the ceremony. They'll also be offering a complimentary (and encouraged due to limited parking) shuttle bus from Rondele Ranch to the Cemetery which will leave at 10:30am and 10:45am. The Northwoods National Cemetery is located on Lakewood Road in Harshaw.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News The FBLA chapter at Tomahawk High School has launched a community initiative called the Warm Clothing Drive to support individuals and families in need during the cold winter months. They are collecting new or gently used winter clothing items—including coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, and boots—for people of all ages. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the essential items they need to stay warm and safe this season. To help make this drive as successful as possible, they are seeking additional support and donations from local community members. The collection will run through December 19th, and all donations can be dropped off at the Tomahawk High School main office.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News Tomahawk Main Street will resemble a scene taken from a classic holiday movie. Coming up on Friday, the district will host the second night of a two-part Christmas celebration. Among the highlights is the Main Street Memories Christmas windows. This is year number six for the live mannequin displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to talk a bit about what has become an annual tradition. She notes that the event has become something very special with families coming out to enjoy the evening. The original idea was inspired by large department stores of yesteryear, they plan on having actors portraying holiday and winter scenes in the store windows. It's an impressive undertaking, and Turkiewicz was quick to share credit with Mary Smith who has taken the reins. Turkiewicz joked that Smith takes a rest on the December 26th like Santa before she begins planning for the following year on the 27th. They include more than 40 businesses and 200 to 250 actors who make up the scenes. This year's theme is the '12 Days of Christmas'. Turkiewicz was excited to see what see what all the shops have planned for this year and encouraged people to come down in check it out. We'll offer a preview of some of the other activities later this week.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has opened a new dual helipad that expands its capacity for emergency air transport and supports faster access to advanced medical care for patients across north central Wisconsin. The upgraded facility replaces the former single landing space and positions two landing pads adjacent to the emergency department for direct, rapid patient transfer. The new helipad was developed in response to growing MedEvac demand. Aspirus receives more than six hundred helicopter transports each year, often involving patients who require immediate trauma, cardiac, stroke or specialty services. The dual landing zones allow aircraft to arrive without delay, particularly during incidents with multiple patients or simultaneous requests. "This helps us move patients quickly and safely to the care they need," said Chad Eckhard, Base Aviation Manager and helicopter pilot. "It is better for the patients, safer for the crews and a positive step for the community." The site incorporates several upgrades designed to increase safety and reliability. A heated snow melt system keeps the landing surface clear throughout winter, pilot-controlled lighting enhances visibility during landings and future GPS flight approaches will support access in lower visibility. These features reduce operational delays and improve safety for both patients and clinical teams. The helipad project aligns with broader facility planning at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, including recent emergency department expansion and long-term growth of specialty services.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News A local hospital will be getting into the holiday spirit with a special tree lighting ceremony this evening. For the past month, the Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Foundation has been collecting donations for their Love Lights Tree. Sponsors were able to reserve a white light in memory of a loved one or blue lights in the honor of a relative, family member or friend. Last year more than 200 lights were dedicated as part of the ceremony. Proceeds will be used by the Foundation to improve the health and wellness of the Tomahawk Community. This includes both Aspirus Foundation programs like their youth bike helmets, hospital/clinic resources, and even community non-profits. Coming up this evening the Foundation will hold a dedication and lighting ceremony at the hospital at 5:30pm and the public is invited to attend. The event will include local vocalists sharing Christmas songs. The tree will remain lighted throughout the holiday season.

Published on 12/09/2025 under News On Monday in Weston, Gov. Tony Evers signed "Bradyn's Law", creating a new crime of sexual extortion in Wisconsin. The new law, Assembly Bill 201, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 48: • Creates a new crime of sexual extortion; • Includes graduated penalties on offenses depending on the actor, the act, the victim's actions, or the victim's age; and • Modifies and expands the crime victim compensation program, including by adding a victim's suicide or attempted suicide to the list of acts that may be compensated by DOJ. "Bradyn's Law" was introduced in response to the tragic passing of Bradyn Bohn, a 15-year-old student from the Wausau Area who took his own life earlier this year as a result of a sexual extortion, or "sextortion," scheme. The FBI defines sextortion as a crime where offenders coerce minors to send explicit images, using them for extortion. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force noted a rise in sextortion-related tips, with 237 cybertips received in 2024, up from 176 in 2023. They also have resources for online safety on their website.

Published on 12/09/2025 under News While we're still in the fall hunting season, hunters need to begin planning for next year. The DNR is reminding hunters of a pair of deadlines for tag applications is quickly approaching. Both black bear permits and spring turkey authorization applications must be submitted by the end of the day Wednesday. The spring turkey season begins in mid-April, the fall in September. The bear season also opens in September. Both are divided into zones across the state, and applicants are encouraged to review them before submitting an application. Due to the high interest, bear hunters may need to apply for several years before receiving a permit through the drawing. Turkey hunters can typically apply for multiple zones and weeks, in order of preference. The DNR says the drawings for turkey permits will be held in January, bear in February.

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Published on 12/09/2025 under News 'Tis the season to be generous. The holiday season is fast approaching and sadly this year there are still many families left struggling to just get by. About 17 percent of children in the Northwoods live below the poverty level. These children may go through their day to day life without the necessities needed to live a healthy life such as food, shelter, and clothes. Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA would love to help these children out in its latest service activity; Jeans for Teens. From December 17th - January 6th, the group will be collecting gently used jeans and giving them to teens and others in the community who need them. Please help out FBLA/DECA by donating some of your old jeans. The collection sites to drop off your jeans donations are: Rhinelander High School, James Williams Middle School, Crescent Elementary School, Pelican Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Maurices, Rhinelander District Library, Campfire Coffee & Creamery (A'La Mode), Bath and Body Creations, and the YMCA. Look for the big box wrapped in colorful Christmas paper. Jeans of all conditions and colors will gladly be accepted. Donated jeans will go to the local Frederick Place so children and families in our area can feel the love and warmth.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News Tomahawk middle schoolers have been getting into the holiday giving spirit. The students are planning to make Christmas cards for the elderly population in our community including the senior living and nursing homes. The school-wide community service project is being led by the middle school PBIS committee. They're currently asking the community to contribute art materials that could be used in making the cards. This includes any old holiday cards, and other Christmas or winter-themed scrap-booking materials, stickers, ribbons, and markers. The collection got underway last month and continues through December 15. That will allow students time to get those cards made and delivered in time for the holidays. Any donated materials can be dropped off at the middle school office.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News A Medford man has died after falling through the ice in the Washington Flowage in the Township of Hammel Friday afternoon. According to a release from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, on Friday at approximately 4:17 pm the Taylor County dispatch received a 911 call from a woman reporting that her husband was out ice fishing on the flowage earlier in the afternoon and had not yet returned. Upon arrival, authorities saw a sled trail leading out to the open water. A sled was also located floating in the water. The release further states that Wings of Hope and Bruce's Legacy were contacted for their specialized equipment and expertise in open water searches, along with the Marathon County Sheriff's Office Dive Team. The deceased man, identified as 69-year-old Randall K. Runge, was located and carefully recovered. Authorities say there is no indication of foul play. Taylor County Deputies, along with Medford Fire personnel, Taylor County Emergency Management, and Taylor County EMS personnel were also dispatched to the scene and the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News In a special check presentation on Saturday our Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 presented a check to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight for $30,000.00. In attendance was State Commander Ty Letto as well as veterans who participated in past Never Forgotten Honor Flights. Post 2687 has now funded 291 veterans for their Trip of a Lifetime to Washington. A big thank you to all the people who participated and volunteer workers in the Veterans Pool Tournament last month as nearly $19,000.00 was raised in that event and other donations to the VFW made up the donation.

Published on 12/05/2025 under News Holiday music certainly makes the season, and it's even better live. Here in Tomahawk the St. Mary's Choir packs the house for a Christmas concert each year, and it's just a few days away. Ahead of Sunday's performance we were joined by long-time director Jan Huseby, along with Sandy Bishop and Lynn Grube. While many folks are just transitioning into the Christmas holiday, the performers been busy with rehearsals for several months now. The choir is comprised of 70 voices, along with some instrumentalists. Grube says that includes seven or eight newcomers. While most of the choir is comprised of locals, they do get a handful of singers who travel to Tomahawk weekly for rehearsals from neighboring communities. This year's show is titled 'Glory to the Newborn King. 'They keep the concert fresh by changing out the music each year, and Huseby says she is continually keeping a list of songs. It will feature a mix of styles and songs focused on peace, joy and hope. with some familiar tunes and some lesser-known pieces. A special highlight this year, they're incorporating a dedication to military families. The St. Mary's Christmas concert is free, but they will accept donations to help cover some of the music costs. It's coming up Sunday afternoon starting at 4pm. They'll begin seating at 3pm and note that they typically fill quickly. We'll once again be recording the concert to bring back to our listeners on Christmas Eve.

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