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ADRC Continues to Deliver Meals, Resources for Lincoln County Seniors

Published on 09/22/2026 under News For many Lincoln County residents, the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides invaluable support, from nutritional assistance to navigating complex senior care options. As the local population continues to age, these services are becoming more essential than ever. Unlike most county-based ADRC offices, the ADRC of Central Wisconsin operates as a regional partnership serving Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, and Wood Counties. During last week's meeting, the Lincoln County Board received an annual update from Executive Director Michael Rhea detailing the organization's regional impact. The ADRC's most visible initiative remains its nutrition program. Between home-delivered Meals on Wheels and congregational dining sites, the organization serves hundreds of meals in Lincoln County each week—and provided more than 170,000 meals across its four-county service area over the past year. Maintaining that reach has come with financial hurdles. Rhea noted that the ADRC continues to navigate rising food costs while operating on a relatively flat budget. These economic pressures have led to operational adjustments, including a reduction in the total number of meals delivered. To help offset budget deficits, the organization established a fund with the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin to encourage private donations. Volunteer support remains critical to keeping costs down. Approximately 384 volunteers contributed more than 26,000 hours of service over the past year—a contribution valued at roughly $855,000. Beyond nutrition, the "Resource" aspect of the ADRC remains a vital lifeline. Staff members help residents navigate public benefits, healthcare coverage, transportation assistance, and home care options. Ultimately, these efforts share a single focus: helping local seniors "age in place" and remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible.

Published on 09/22/2026 under News The School District of Rhinelander recently celebrated a major community investment in its students and the region's future workforce. On Monday afternoon, community members, district staff, and local leaders gathered for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a major capital improvement project. The highlights include a cutting-edge technical education area outfitted with new fabrication, welding, woodworking, and machining labs. District leaders say these state-of-the-art upgrades are designed to provide students with hands-on training to jump-start careers with local manufacturers and trade employers. "When our students walk into these spaces, we want them to see possibility," said Superintendent Eric Burke. "We want them to know that our community believes in them and is willing to invest in their success." The enhancements at Rhinelander High School are part of a broader $26 million capital improvement project approved by voters in April 2024, which includes investments at both the high school and James Williams Middle School. Following the ceremony, attendees toured the new facilities to see the community's investment in action firsthand.

Published on 09/22/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is inviting new parents, grandparents, and caregivers to mark their calendars for its upcoming Community Baby Shower. Now in its fourth year, the free outreach event next month serves as a one-stop shop for local families looking for resources, support, and essential guidance on topics like safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and regional childcare options. The event features a variety of informational booths and community partner organizations, with new vendors joining each year to expand services for parent and child well-being. After holding its spring event in Tomahawk, the health department is bringing the shower back to Merrill at a new venue: the Merrill Enrichment and Expo Center. Local agencies, organizations, and groups interested in hosting a vendor booth still have a brief window to get involved. Event organizer Allie Renzelmann noted that a few spots remain open, with a registration deadline of Wednesday, September 23. Additional details and reminders will be released as the October 7 event approaches.

Published on 09/22/2026 under News A motorcycle operator was injured after a collision with a deer over Fall Ride weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, responders were sent to County D in the Town of Harrison on Friday for a reported motorcycle vs deer crash with injuries. Deputies located a 57 year old man from Hurlbert Michigan, who reported the deer walked onto the road in front of his motorcycle and he was unable to avoid the collision. The man was treated for rib and leg injuries.

Published on 09/22/2026 under News Today marks the official start of autumn, but health professionals at Aspirus are using the season to shed light on a different kind of fall, the kind that impacts older adults. The warning comes during Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Physical therapists say a fall rarely comes completely out of nowhere. In fact, one of the earliest warning signs is simply a growing fear of losing your balance, which often leads people to slow down and skip out on everyday activities. "When people get the indication that their balance isn't very good, they tend to not want to move as much," said Aspirus Health physical therapist Jessica Brandt. "It creates a cycle where people limit what they do and where they go." Brandt emphasizes that physical decline doesn't have to be a given as we age. While going for walks is great exercise, adding targeted lower-body strength training is key. That is especially true for your ankles, which act as your body's first line of defense when you step on an uneven surface. "I think people have the misconception that getting weak and getting immobile is part of the aging process, and it doesn't have to be," Brandt said. "You can keep yourself moving and combat a lot of those things that make you more susceptible to falls."

Published on 09/22/2026 under News Just a head's up for residents here in the City of Tomahawk. The water department will begin conducting pressure testing on fire hydrants throughout the city this week. The testing may temporarily cause rusty or discolored tap water in affected areas. Waterworks officials advise residents who experience discoloration to run their cold water until it flows clear. The Water Department thanks the community for its patience during this routine maintenance. Locations scheduled for pressure testing include: • Tannery Rd at Tomahawk Iron & Metal • Bridge St at Bronsted Ave • W Mohawk Dr at Industrial Packaging Co. • N 4th St at Erv's Sale & Service • N 4th St at Mohawk Dr • N 4th St at Ace Hardware • N 4th St at Prospect Ave • W Lincoln Ave at N Tomahawk Ave • W Somo Ave at the WisDNR Building • S Tomahawk Ave at Wisconsin Ave • S 4th St at Spirit Ave • 1010 Theiler Dr • Southgate Dr at Brief St • Anna St at McKinley St • Whitetail Dr at the cemetery • Entrance to LP

Published on 09/22/2026 under News Officials have provided some additional information on a motorcycle crash in Oneida County during Fall Ride Weekend. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, on Saturday afternoon, responders were called to the intersection of US Highway 51 and County Highway L in the Town of Nokomis, just north of Tomahawk. According to an initial investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, two motorcycles were entering Highway 51 from County Highway L when they were struck by a southbound pickup truck. Their were two riders on the first motorcycle, a 38 year old man and 37 year old woman, both of Marshfield. Both were transported from the scene with life-threatening injuries. The operator of the pickup truck and the operator of the second involved motorcycle were not injured. The State Patrol is handling the investigation. _____ Two people were injured in Oneida County following a crash involving two motorcycles and a pickup truck during Fall Ride weekend. The collision occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Highway 51 and County Highway L, just north of Tomahawk. According to a preliminary investigation, the motorcycles were attempting to turn left onto Highway 51 when they collided with an oncoming pickup truck. Both motorcyclists were transported to the hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries; their current conditions have not been released. Traffic on Highway 51 was temporarily detoured while crews cleared the scene.

Published on 09/21/2026 under News A quiet calm has returned to Tomahawk after the community wrapped up another successful Fall Ride weekend. Just as quickly as they arrived last week, thousands of motorcyclists rolled out of town Sunday afternoon. An estimated 30-40,000 visitors travel to the greater Tomahawk area each year for the annual event, proving that more than four decades in, the tradition remains as popular as ever. As festivities wound down on Sunday, local organizers reflected on the weekend. The general consensus was that attendance was down slightly compared to the past few years. Weather likely played a key role, as cool temperatures and periodic rain kept some riders from making the trip or venturing out to explore. Despite the damp weather, organizers noted that those who did attend were as enthusiastic as ever. Marking the event's 45th anniversary, the community rolled out a stacked lineup of entertainment options for guests. While overall headcounts are hard to measure, one event provides an exact metric: the Friday night Thunder Parade. Parade organizer Roxanne Consolver shared that approximately 250 motorcycles participated this year. That's about a third of the turnout seen in recent years. With another milestone year in the books, organizers are taking a brief breather before shifting their focus to year 46. In the coming days, local leaders and committee members will meet to review this year's event and begin planning for next year.

Published on 09/21/2026 under News A motorcyclist was arrested for an eighth-offense OWI in Lincoln County over Fall Ride weekend. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a trooper pulled over a motorcycle shortly after 1:00 p.m. Sunday for speeding on Highway 86, near County Highway T west of Tomahawk. During the traffic stop, the trooper noticed signs of impairment. Following an investigation, authorities determined the driver, 51-year-old Ryan Plisch of Wausau, was operating the motorcycle while under the influence. Plisch was arrested for eighth-offense OWI, along with operating with a revoked driver's license and misdemeanor bail jumping.

Published on 09/21/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans are traveling to the nation's capital on Monday to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is taking the third of four planned missions to Washington, D.C., this year. Organizers welcomed 93 veterans for the trip, including eight from the Korean War and 85 from the Vietnam era. Today's mission marks the 57th flight for the local hub since its founding in 2010, bringing the total number of local veterans served to nearly 5,400. The public is invited to give the veterans a warm welcome home at the end of their journey tonight. Honor Flight officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30 p.m. Organizers continue to encourage any veteran who served in any capacity prior to June 7, 1975, to sign up if they have not yet taken part. This includes a renewed campaign dispelling some of the reasons veterans give as to why they haven't participated.

Published on 09/21/2026 under News A new local initiative is stepping up to support teachers in the Unified School District of Antigo. Educator Elevator, a non-profit launched earlier this year, has officially begun its work to honor, empower, and retain district staff. Co-Chair Charlie Zanayed highlighted the group's central mission, noting that supporting educators is essential to a thriving community and that staff deserve to feel valued both inside and outside the classroom. The organization is building out several key programs including educator recognition, classroom innovation grants, staff welcome initiatives, and community connection opportunities. These efforts helped kick off the new school year with a Community Welcome Picnic for approximately 210 educators and staff, along with providing welcome baskets generously donated by local businesses and volunteers for new hires. Members of the public, local businesses, and organizations interested in supporting the initiative or donating can learn more at educatorelevator.org

Published on 09/21/2026 under News Educators and staff at Northcentral Technical College took a break from the classroom earlier this month, stepping out into the community to lend a helping hand. As part of NTC's annual Timberwolf Day of Service, employees chose their own ways to give back across the region. Projects ranged from environmental cleanups, like picking up litter along local trails to washing fire trucks at volunteer stations, and sewing quilts for families in need. Specialized departments put their skills directly to work. Veterinary Technician team members performed spay and neuter procedures for the Humane Society of Marathon County, while Culinary Arts students turned tomatoes grown at NTC's Agriculture Center into sauce for lasagna meal kits distributed to local pantries. Other staff members assembled care packages, created personal hygiene kits for area students, and spent time playing bingo and serving ice cream to nursing home residents. NTC employees logged hundreds of hours across dozens of projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting the communities they serve. Photo provided by Northcentral Technical College: Employees at NTC's Center for Health Sciences create oral care packages for Wisconsin disaster relief programs.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News Action revs up for the 45th annual Tomahawk Fall Ride, highlighted by one of the weekend's most iconic traditions: the Friday night Thunder Parade. The Thunder Parade began in 1991. Like many Fall Ride traditions, the Thunder Parade started small in 1991 and has grown over the years. Now around 1,000 riders depart from the Tomahawk School Campus to take part in a scenic, 18-mile cruise through rural Tomahawk. The final stretch runs down business corridor along North Fourth Street, across Veterans Memorial Bridge, and right down Main Street which is closed off to regular traffic. Much like a traditional parade, spectators line the route to cheer on riders and feel the rumble of thunder as hundreds of engines passing by. Riders planning to participate can begin lining up at the school complex around 5:00 p.m, they leave at 6:00pm. The procession typically reaches the city around 6:30 p.m. While the Thunder Parade serves as Friday's main attraction, visitors can find live music, vendor displays, and events running all weekend at SARA Park, downtown Tomahawk, and area businesses throughout the region.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News An enhanced wake ban is coming to Lake Mohawksin and nearby stretches of the Wisconsin and Tomahawk Rivers. Following a vote by the Tomahawk City Council earlier this month, the Town of Bradley has approved a matching ordinance. Because both municipalities share shoreline jurisdiction, DNR rules required both to approve an identical ordinance. Under the joint rules, boaters cannot use ballast tanks, ballast bags, or wake-enhancing fins to create artificially large waves. Traditional watersports like skiing, tubing, and standard wakeboarding is allowed, as long as wake-enhancing gear is not used. The Kwahamot Water Ski Club also keeps its limited exemption. The main goals are protecting local shorelines from erosion, preventing lake bed disturbance, and keeping water recreationists safe. Groups like the Friends of Lake Mohawksin, made up largely of riparian landowners, heavily supported the effort. With both votes locked in, Tomahawk and Bradley join nearly 100 other Wisconsin communities with similar wake protections. The final steps include filing paperwork with the DNR and posting signs at public boat landings.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News While the Rhinelander community typically embraces Hodag green, the Hodag Dome will turn purple this weekend as residents gather to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Organizers are putting the finishing touches on the local Walk to End Alzheimer's, scheduled for Saturday morning. The event is already off to a strong start, with nearly 350 people registered. More than 60 teams have raised $148,000, or 72% of the event's $206,000 fundraising goal. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association, supporting families affected by the disease while funding research toward treatments and prevention. Julie St. Pierre with the Alzheimer's Association called this a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer's. "With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope," St. Pierre said. "Together, we can build a brain-healthy future and help end this disease." One of the morning's key highlights is the Promise Garden Ceremony, where participants carry distinctively colored flowers to represent their personal connection to the cause—whether they are living with the disease, caring for a loved one, or honoring someone they lost. In addition to the Rhinelander event, another walk is taking place Saturday in Antigo, with Wausau hosting its walk next weekend.

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