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Back to School Day for All Tomahawk Students

Published on 09/01/2026 under News For students in the Tomahawk School District, it's back to school day: part two. Today marks the first traditional full day of class for all students in Tomahawk. That's because of a one-day, orientation-style program that took place yesterday known as WEB and Link Crew. On Monday, Tomahawk 6th and 9th grade students participated in special activities to get the students acclimated to their new space in the middle and high schools respectively. While freshmen and 6th graders were getting settled, upperclassmen enjoyed one final day of summer vacation before returning to campus today. The district's youngest learners at the elementary school also had their first day today, as they were unaffected by the orientation programs.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News Ice Age Trail volunteers returned to the Northwoods last month for another trail-building effort. During a four-day project in early August, the crew added nearly a mile of new footpath along the Underdown Segment in Lincoln County. The new 0.9-mile section replaces a road segment. Along with clearing the path, volunteers built two stone steps, three wooden boardwalks, and a designated rustic campsite; the first along this 30-mile stretch of trail. According to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the campsite is located atop a high ridge, offering overnight backpackers scenic views of the surrounding glacial landscape. Favorable weather allowed crews to finish early and assist the local Northwoods Chapter with grooming existing sections of the nearby trail. Organizers noted that the event also served as a training session for 14 new volunteers, who worked alongside experienced trail builders to learn proper techniques. The Ice Age Trail Alliance has kept busy in the Northwoods this summer, following two trail-building weekends in Langlade County. The group will head to Taylor County this fall for its another volunteer trail effort.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News When a cardiac emergency strikes, the first person on the scene is rarely a paramedic, but rather a neighbor, coworker, or family member. To ensure residents can act fast during those critical opening minutes, the Little Rice Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a free Community CPR Class on Saturday, September 12. American Heart Association-certified instructors will provide hands-on instruction in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Fire Chief Larry Mathein says, "We want people in our community to feel confident that they can step forward and help." Mathein added, "CPR is a skill we hope someone never has to use, but when it is needed, knowing what to do can make an enormous difference." The training runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lynne Town Hall. The class is free, but organizers request advance registration to ensure adequate space. Call or Text "CPR" to 715-966-0250

Published on 09/01/2026 under News One person died following a boating incident in Vilas County over the weekend. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, a resident on Sumach Lake in Arbor Vitae called 911 around 2:30 p.m. Sunday after spotting a capsized boat and two men in the water. One of the men swam to shore for help. A good Samaritan assisted in pulling the second man from the water, and they immediately began CPR until first responders arrived. The 75-year-old victim was initially conscious and speaking, but he suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive. He was transported to Aspirus Howard Young Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending family notification. The Wisconsin DNR is investigating the incident.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News Officials are offering their annual warning to parents about sharing too much back-to-school information on social media. Over the next week or so, social media feeds will be filled with kids holding 'first day of school' signs or chalkboards. The photos provide a memorable look at a child throughout their school years. While it can be a fun way to celebrate and share these milestones with friends and families online, it can also provide private information to scammers and other unsavory characters. Officials say you should limit the amount of personal information shared on social media, especially when it comes to kids. That means leaving off information about their school, teacher, and address. That information can be used to gain a child's trust, is frequently used for online security questions, and can be manipulated using AI. Another tip they offered if you do want to share with friends and family...turn on the privacy settings to limit who can see posts.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News With the calendar flipped to September, the fall hunting season is officially underway, starting with the early goose season that opened at daybreak. According to the DNR, this two-week early season offers an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese compared to the traditional season. The early hunt targets Wisconsin's resident goose population before the broader fall migration crosses the state. Based on spring surveys, the current population estimate for Wisconsin-breeding Canada geese sits at 114,000 birds. That figure is slightly lower than last year and the five-year average, but still well above the long-term baseline. The regular goose season will follow immediately after the early season ends, opening on September 16. State wildlife officials remind all hunters to keep safety a top priority whenever heading into the field this fall.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News It's day one of the new school year in Tomahawk...at least for a select group of students. The district is once again using a staggered start schedule, a program designed to ease the transition to a new school building. While most kids in Tomahawk are enjoying one final day of summer break, sixth and ninth graders—along with students new to the district—are filling the halls today. Since 2018, Tomahawk has relied on two nationwide peer-mentoring initiatives: the W.E.B. program in the middle school and Link Crew at the high school. Created by the Boomerang Project and used in over 4,500 schools nationwide, these programs give incoming students exclusive access to campus today. They spend the day learning their class schedules, practicing locker combinations, participating in group activities, and building connections with older student mentors that last all year long. The rest of the student body returns tomorrow for a more traditional first day of school and to kick off the full school year. And for those students already keeping track...summer break is just 274 days away.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News A plea deal has been reached for a man involved in a high-speed pursuit and highway shooting that spanned Marathon and Lincoln counties in October 2023. Court records show 44-year-old Bennie Green pleaded guilty to seven charges earlier this month. This includes five felony counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, along with OWI causing injury and possession a firearm as a felon. The charges stem from an incident in October 2023 where Green fired at a vehicle on Highway 51 near Brokaw, injuring two people in that vehicle. Lincoln County deputies later spotted Green's vehicle, sparking a pursuit back into Marathon County that ended when a deputy disabled Green's car near Wausau. As part of the plea agreement, six additional charges were dismissed but will be considered at sentencing on November 30.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News Most Northwoods students head back to school this week, prompting local law enforcement to remind drivers to slow down, watch for buses and pedestrians, and obey traffic laws. The Wisconsin State Patrol and the Department of Transportation recently highlighted the critical need for school bus safety. According to the DOT, Wisconsin recorded 655 crashes involving school buses last year, resulting in 70 injuries. State courts also logged more than 1,300 convictions for failure to stop for a school bus. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "This is an exciting time for families across Wisconsin as another school year approaches, and students are counting on all of us to help keep them safe as they go to and from school." As a reminder, when you see flashing amber lights, slow down and proceed with caution as the bus prepares to stop. Once the buses' red warning lights are activated, stop at least 20 feet away and remain until the lights are switched off. Officials offer several key safety tips for motorists: Slow down in school zones and residential areas and where children are present. Yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. Avoid distractions, put away mobile devices and keep your full attention on the road.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News Drivers heading through Lincoln County will need to plan for extra travel time starting today as work begins on a major Highway 17 resurfacing project. Highway 17 remains closed to through traffic between Highway 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek. The project will unfold in two separate phases. They'll work into early November before pausing for the winter. The project will resume next spring, tentatively scheduled from April to July. This is a project that was moved up on the construction calendar due to road conditions. Crews will replace the existing asphalt surface and concrete curb and gutter, install new centerline rumble strips, and apply a protective thermoplastic coating at designated snowmobile crossings to prevent track wear on the fresh pavement. The posted detour uses Highways 64, 51, and 8. Local access to homes and businesses along the construction corridor will be maintained.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News After several down years, Northern Wisconsin's wild rice crop is expected to be better this fall. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says heavy April rainfall across the Northwoods, followed by a dry summer, created unusually stable water conditions throughout the critical growing period for the state's wild rice crop. Jason Fleener is a DNR wetland habitat specialist. He says, "Wild rice harvesters who are looking to fill their pantries may find some good wild rice beds, but they may encounter low water levels that could make navigation by canoe a challenge." Water depth varies based on localized rainfall and regional dam operations. While production is up when compared to recent years, experts say the yield remains well below historical benchmarks, and some lakes continue to experience severe crop declines. State biologists point to broader long-term threats including climate change, land use pressures, and declining water quality. Still, for harvesters willing to scout and travel, viable beds are plentiful across the northern landscape this fall. The timing coincides with Wisconsin's inaugural Wild Rice Week, running from August 30 through September 6, established to raise public awareness around the ecologically and culturally significant crop.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Even at 82 years old, Smokey Bear is proving he can keep up with the digital age. Officials gathered outside the Minocqua Fire & Rescue Department for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate Wisconsin's first electronic Smokey Bear sign. It replaces the traditional, manual sign common across the country. Prominently positioned along Highway 51 directly in front of the station, the state-of-the-art, federally funded display allows local officials to instantly update wildfire conditions in real time. This ensures residents and visitors traveling through the Northwoods are immediately alerted to current fire danger levels. Since 1944, Smokey has been the nationwide voice of wildfire prevention, and local officials emphasize that clear, modern communication remains as vital as ever. To cap off the celebration, Dan's Minocqua Fudge created a S'mores-themed ice cream for the event, packed with marshmallow, chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and a hint of honey.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Leaders, business owners, and residents from across the region will gather in Tomahawk this fall to help shape the future of rural Wisconsin. Lincoln County has been chosen as one of just two statewide host sites for the 2026 Wisconsin Small Community Forums. The half-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, will focus on the unique economic and civic opportunities and challenges facing small towns. "Lincoln County is excited to host this year's forum," said Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. She encourages local attendance for the event, which will focus on practical solutions for rural economic and community development. The forum brings together residents, elected officials, and regional organizations to share best practices and actionable strategies. The 2026 agenda highlights key local topics: Rural Housing: A panel discussion on tools, tactics, and strategies featuring state, county, and local leaders.Community-Involved Employers: A spotlight on area businesses that actively invest in local development.Local Case Studies: Presentations showcasing successful regional projects and community initiatives.Interactive Roundtables: Focused discussions on key issues impacting both residents and visitors.The event will take place at the Buedingen Training Center at PCA in Tomahawk. Dunn County will serve as the other statewide host site, holding its forum in Colfax next month. Additional information and registration information.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News A cherished local artist is saying goodbye to Antigo, but the community is celebrating her creativity and dedication. Antigo Visual Arts is honoring 93-year-old artist Joanne March with a special solo exhibition before she relocates to Colorado to be closer to her family. March has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene for decades, known for her vibrant acrylics, paintings, and intricate basket weaving. According to the AVA, March's art reflects her curiosity, creativity, resilience and joy—qualities that have endeared her to fellow artists and the community. Her piece, "The Night Visitor," was awarded Best in Show. More than 70 guests attended the gallery opening earlier this month, a record turnout for an AVA gallery opening. With March heading west shortly, they sent her off with a reception and farewell celebration Thursday. There is still a few more weeks to view March's final local pieces. The gallery will remain open through September 17, located on the 2nd floor of the Langlade County Historical Museum.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News While the Fox Valley tornado dominated headlines last month, Northwoods communities are included in Wisconsin's push for federal storm relief. On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers formally requested a presidential disaster declaration following the devastating July 27 storms. The request seeks federal assistance for four hard-hit counties: Vilas and Forest in the Northwoods, alongside Outagamie and Winnebago in the Fox Valley. Joint state and FEMA assessments revealed massive destruction across the region:Public Infrastructure: Over $13.8 million in damage to public utilities and roads.Residential Losses: More than $8.2 million in damage affecting over 2,300 homes.If approved by the White House, the declaration will unlock FEMA Individual Assistance for impacted residents, as well as Public Assistance to help local governments repair damaged infrastructure. "Goodwill, grit, and volunteers alone can't fix this disaster," Gov. Evers said in the announcement. "We need emergency disaster aid from the federal government to make it happen."

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