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Tomahawk Area Veteran’s Day Pool Tournament Raises ~$20,000 for Honor Flight

Published on 11/09/2026 under News From the opening break to the final pocketed ball, Tomahawk's 3rd Annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament was a tremendous success, raising over $20,000 to send local veterans to Washington, D.C to visit the Memorials built in their honor. Much like a clean table run, a local pool tournament in Tomahawk over the weekend was a resounding success, raising over $20,000 for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. The 3rd Annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament brought together nearly 100 players, some of whom traveled more than two hours to participate. Around a dozen local establishments hosted matches, while organizers assembled over 80 raffle baskets thanks to generous community donations. Lead organizer Misty Bergsrud, a veteran herself, expressed deep gratitude for everyone involved. She shared, "It takes an army to run an event of this size...I'll never be able to repay everyone who helped." With several tournament winners even donating their prize money back towards the cause, this year's event officially became the most successful in its three-year history. It costs roughly $500 per veteran to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. This weekend's effort will fully cover the trip for more than 40 local heroes on upcoming flights to the nation's capital. With Veterans Day just around the corner, the event's overwhelming success serves as a powerful reminder of the Northwoods' dedication to honoring its military service members.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Volunteers gathered in Taylor County last month for a five-day trail effort, completing a major milestone along the Ice Age Trail. Dubbed the "Buzz Bash," the event honored the late Gerald "Buzz" Meyer, a longtime Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteer from Medford. Over four days of field work, dedicated volunteer crews painted more than 4,000 fresh yellow blazes across 60 miles of trail throughout Taylor County. The final blaze was symbolically painted by Meyer's siblings, Ann and David. Organizers credited months of advance preparation by Alliance signage specialists for laying the groundwork, allowing crews to reblaze nearly the entire Taylor County segment to official standards in record time—ensuring a clear path for hikers for years to come. The project capped off a busy season for the Ice Age Trail in northern Wisconsin. Across several summer volunteer efforts, crews worked on trail maintenance, corridor clearing and infrastructure upgrades in Lincoln and Langlade Counties. The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, crossing 30 counties.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News High-speed internet is expanding across the Northwoods following a major state funding announcement last week. Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin awarded nearly $58 million through the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program, aiming to connect more than 18,000 unserved homes and businesses statewide. Locally, more than $3 million will go toward multiple broadband projects spanning Iron, Vilas, and Price Counties. Partnering with providers including Brightspeed, GogebicRangeNet, and Norvado, the buildout is expected to bring high-speed connections to more than 900 locations in the region. Governor Evers emphasized that internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. Since 2019, state administration grants have helped deliver new or improved service to over 428,000 Wisconsin locations. The applications requests continue to exceed available funding. Officials noted this could be the final round of grants, unless state lawmakers authorize additional resources to the program.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Classroom learning and local industry are coming together in Rhinelander following a major community investment. The School District of Rhinelander has announced a growing partnership with AirPro Fan & Blower Company, highlighted by a $10,000 donation to the district's Technical Education Department. School representatives recently met with the AirPro team to develop ways to expand hands-on technical learning, career exploration, and real-world skills designed to prepare students directly for the regional workforce. Superintendent Eric Burke says, "This is exactly the type of partnership that benefits our students, our local businesses, and our entire Northwoods community." He added, "Working alongside businesses like AirPro allows us to connect what students are learning in the classroom with the opportunities and needs of our regional workforce." In recognition of the gift, AirPro's support will be honored on the Dr. Lee Swank Wall of Honor located inside the new Technical Education wing at Rhinelander High School. The wall recognizes community partners whose contributions create lasting opportunities for Hodag students.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News State and local health officials are investigating a potential measles exposure at the Marshfield Medical Center emergency department in Weston. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Marathon County Health Department report that an individual with confirmed measles visited the ER on Ministry Parkway while contagious on Thursday, November 5th, between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Anyone at the emergency department during that window should immediately check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. This exposure also serves as a good reminder. If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and call your provider before seeking care so hospital staff can take precautions against further spread. According to the latest DHS update, there have been more than 450 measles cases in Wisconsin since July. Further updates on public exposure sites will be posted on the Wisconsin DHS website.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Authorities are investigating a workplace accident in Marathon County last week that claimed the life of a 47-year-old worker. Responders in Kronenwetter were called to American Asphalt on Happy Hollow Road Wednesday morning at shortly after 10am. The initial call indicated an employee trapped in a silo gate. Upon arrival crews provided immediate care on scene. The man was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. The man's name was not immediately released. Based on the preliminary investigation, the worker was checking conditions inside a silo when he became stuck between the gate doors. There are no signs of criminal activity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and is investigating.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News If you notice green lights shining in the Northwoods this November, it may be a message of support for veterans. Operation Green Light is a national effort to salute local veterans and support them as they transition back to civilian life. For the past four years, the Lincoln County Board has approved a resolution backing the initiative. In addition to turning select lights on county buildings green, it encourages residents and local businesses to participate by replacing a traditional bulb with a green light, either outside where neighbors can see it, or inside to spark conversation. The goal is to shine a light on the unique challenges service members face when transitioning to civilian life while raising awareness for local, state, and federal resources. Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz, who drafted the resolution, noted that more than 2,000 veterans call Lincoln County home. The resolution states, in part, that the contributions and sacrifices of those who served have been vital in maintaining our freedoms and way of life. Studies show nearly three-quarters of service members experience high stress during their first year back in civilian life. While Operation Green Light originally centered around Veterans Day week, organizers are encouraging community members to keep their green lights burning through the entire month of November.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News With Wisconsin's nine-day gun deer season opener just two weeks away, hunters across the state are preparing to head into the woods. However, health experts at Aspirus Health remind hunters that preparing their hearts is just as vital as sighting in their scopes. Cardiologists warn that jumping from a mostly sedentary routine into a week of intense outdoor activity creates a sharp spike in heart rate and blood pressure. This includes strenuous tasks like hiking to a tree stand, climbing up, the surge of excitement after bagging a buck, and dragging the deer out of the woods. Aspirus Cardiologist Dr. Daniel Krause compares the season to a new workout routine. "You wouldn't walk into a gym and immediately try to bench 400 pounds," Dr. Krause says. "You start slowly and gradually increase your activity level." According to the CDC, roughly 5% of American adults over 20 have coronary artery disease—a condition that restricts blood flow and can trigger heart attacks under sudden strain. Cold temperatures only add to that cardiovascular stress. Doctors urge hunters to know their physical limits, eat well, dress appropriately for cold weather, and listen to their bodies. Anyone experiencing chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, or dizziness in the field should stop immediately and seek medical help.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News Local politics in many communities is defined by familiar faces; long-serving leaders holding municipal seats. But in Eagle River, that's set to change. On Tuesday night, Eagle River residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a local term limits referendum, passing the measure with nearly three quarters of the 685 votes cast. The vote officially adopts a city ordinance capping consecutive service for both the Mayor and Alderpersons to four two-year terms: an eight-year total limit. Once a city leader completes those four consecutive terms, they must sit out six-years before running for the office again. And for current leaders, the clock is already ticking, the ordinance explicitly counts all past terms served prior to Tuesday's election toward the new limit.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News The tradition of excellence continues for the Tomahawk High School Drama Department! THS has officially advanced to the State One-Act Play Competition, marking an incredible 11th consecutive year the Hatchets have earned a spot at the state festival. This fall, the cast and crew have been bringing Stephen Murray's "Lost in the Woods" to life, described as a comedic tale following a group of tech-free wilderness campers who get lost and encounter mysterious forest creatures and an eccentric counselor. According to the announcement, the milestone reflects the relentless hard work, dedication, creativity, and heart poured into the production by every single student involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. Next up, the THS team will travel to the State Festival at UW-Parkside in Kenosha in two weeks. Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and directors.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News A historic landmark in downtown Wausau is officially back and brighter than ever. Following a massive 17-million-dollar "Second Century" renovation project, The Grand Theater is set to reopen its doors this weekend. The major overhaul, which began in May, was designed to preserve the venue's rich history while modernizing the overall patron experience. Theatergoers will immediately notice a refreshed color palette of jade, blue and gold, improved sound and lighting, along with custom-built, wider seats complete with cupholders. Beyond the auditorium, the project also revamped backstage dressing rooms, artist lounges, and vital venue infrastructure to keep drawing top-tier national tours and legendary acts to the area. And they'll be re-opening the facility with entertainment royalty, as Wayne Newton will perform to a sold out audience Saturday evening. The excitement continues next week with the boardgame-turned-movie-turned-stage production of the whodunit Clue, followed by a full lineup of holiday performances throughout the month of December. For tickets and more information, head over to grandtheater.org.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News Wisconsin transportation officials and emergency personnel across the state are sending a crucial message to drivers this week: Move Over or Slow Down, as lives are on the line. Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed November 2nd through the 6th as Crash Responder Safety Week. Nearly 140 Wisconsin municipalities and counties are participating in the campaign to raise awareness about the constant hazards roadside workers face on the job. Over the last five years alone, 72 emergency responders were struck by passing vehicles while working along the side of the road. Whether it's emergency responders, utility crews, or stranded motorists, state law requires drivers to move over a lane for flashing lights, or slow down if changing lanes isn't safe. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman warns that moving over isn't just a traffic rule, but may also be a life-saving decision.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Some of the top billiard players in the Northwoods and beyond will face off in Tomahawk this weekend, all to support a great cause. With Veterans Day approaching, the community is hosting a mixed-doubles, 8-ball pool tournament. Proceeds will benefit the local Never Forgotten Honor Flight, an organization dedicated to transporting local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Ahead of the event, we spoke with organizers, including Misty Bergsrud. The mission hits close to home for her family: Bergsrud served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where she met her husband, a fellow service member. That background makes raising funds for veteran organizations, especially those serving older veterans, deeply meaningful to her. After nearly doubling proceeds in each of the tournament's first two years, organizers hope to build on that momentum with strong community and business support. This year's event features more than 70 raffle baskets, including several high-ticket items. Though player spots in the tournament are fully booked, organizers encourage community members to come out, cheer on the players, and buy raffle tickets. The local VFW will serve as raffle headquarters, with pool matches hosted across roughly a dozen area taverns.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to keep their dollars close to home. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber is bringing back its annual "Loyal to Local" campaign. While the program previously ran during the summer, organizers shifted the focus to November to highlight local spending during the peak holiday shopping months. The initiative aims to showcase how everyday purchasing decisions impact the local economy. Studies show that approximately sixty-eight dollars of every one hundred dollars spent at an independent local business remains in the community, compared to just forty-three dollars spent at a chain store. Chamber C-E-O Lauren Sackett emphasizes that shopping small is an opportunity to explore everything the area has to offer. She says,"We encourage residents and visitors to find new favorites and remember local businesses when making everyday spending decisions." Residents are also invited to take the "Loyal to Local" pledge by committing to spend at least fifty dollars at a business they don't typically visit. Organizers estimate that if every Rhinelander resident took the pledge, it would generate over four hundred fourteen thousand dollars in local revenue. Community members who complete the pledge will be entered into a drawing for a local prize package. Beyond the pledge, the Chamber notes other ways to participate include sharing favorite businesses on social media, leaving positive reviews, and giving the gift of Chamber bucks which keeps spending within the community.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Despite a challenging Election Day for Republicans statewide, Representative Calvin Callahan won re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, though he will return to Madison under a vastly different political landscape. Callahan's victory on Tuesday secures his fourth term representing the 35th Assembly District. However, with Democrats taking control of the Capitol, Callahan will serve in the Assembly minority for the first time in his political career. Speaking after his win, Callahan thanked Northwoods voters for continuing to trust him to bring their voices to Madison, crediting his campaign's focus on local cost-of-living issues. He said, "This race was about affordability, lower taxes, lower utility bills, and lower health care costs." Looking ahead to his new role in the minority, Callahan pledged to remain a strong advocate for his constituents. "With a Democrat trifecta, I'll keep standing up for your home," Callahan said. "I'll vote no on tax increases, keep pushing to lower costs, and work across the aisle to do what's right for the Northwoods."

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