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Local & Area News

715 Day Celebrates the Best of the Northwoods

Published on 07/15/2026 under News Today is July 15, or 7/15, a date that doubles as a celebration of Wisconsin's scenic Northwoods and the vibrant communities that call the 715 area code home. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce is marking 715 Day by highlighting everything that makes the region so special, from its scenic landscapes and rich community traditions to its local businesses and residents. Chamber Director Charis Lau says, "715 Day is about celebrating the pride we have in our community and sharing that pride with others." How to ParticipateThe Chamber offers several easy ways for the community to get involved today: Support Local: Shop, dine, and explore the independent businesses that keep Tomahawk thriving.Show Your Pride: Represent the area by sporting custom 715 Tomahawk merchandise.Share the Love: Highlight your favorite local spots and scenic views on social media.Join the Chamber's 715 Photo Contest by submitting pictures that capture the true spirit of the Tomahawk area.Lau added, "Whether you've called Tomahawk home for decades or you're discovering the Northwoods for the first time, we hope you'll join us in celebrating what makes our corner of the 715 so unforgettable." The Chamber encourages everyone to follow along on social media throughout July as they continue to showcase featured attractions, hidden gems, local stories, and photo contest submissions all month long.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News The Tomahawk community is rallying behind one of their own. David Bethel Jr. was diagnosed with glioblastoma last month. As he undergoes treatment, neighbors and local business owners are stepping up to support his family. To mark Glioblastoma Awareness Day, The Rock Church organized a gray ribbon campaign. The color is traditionally used for brain cancers to represent the brain's "gray matter." Meanwhile, community members are sporting T-shirts that read, "Moving Heaven and Earth to Support Dave"—a nod to his local excavation business. Local businesses, including Boomba Bar and Simply Stitched, are also donating a portion of their sales to the family. As Bethel fights his diagnosis, Tomahawk is making sure he and his family don't have to do the heavy lifting alone. Community members are encouraged to purchase campaign T-shirts, patronize participating shops, or display a gray ribbon to show their solidarity.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News As the hot and humid stretch continues, another weather concern is moving into the Northwoods. Residents looking toward the sky today may notice a familiar summer haze. Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario is expected to drift into Wisconsin, creating hazy skies and, at times, a noticeable smoky smell. In recent years, wildfire smoke has become an increasingly common and unwelcome summertime visitor across the state. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until noon Thursday. The greatest concern is for sensitive groups, including young children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. These individuals are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. For everyone else, the main impacts will likely be hazy conditions and a smokey smell. The Wisconsin DNR offers an air quality map on its website for those who want to track conditions.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News After some country last week, Tomahawk's Music on the River is tuning its dial to the blues. This evening, the community will welcome back Johnny and the MoTones. The Central Wisconsin-based band has been delivering their signature mix of blues, R&B, and soul for more than two decades. No stranger to the local stage, the band has been a regular performer at Music on the River over the years. They have released a number of albums, including one with a title that will sound very familiar to the Northwoods: Highway 51. Tonight's performance marks the midway point of the nineteenth season's seven-concert run. The weather forecast is looking promising, after several straight rainy Wednesdays have impacted the Music on the River schedule. Johnny and the MoTones will take the stage at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park pavilion.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News Authorities in Eagle River are investigating a suspected drug overdose death after an early morning call Tuesday. Police were dispatched to a city residence just after 2:15 a.m. for an unresponsive person. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of family, and the official cause of death will be determined after an autopsy and toxicology testing. Police say there is no threat to the public as investigators work to determine the source of the suspected drugs involved. They also remind residents that naloxone, or Narcan, is available at the Eagle River Police Department and can save lives in an overdose emergency.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News While summer road construction season is in full swing, planning for future projects is ongoing. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is hosting a public involvement meeting this evening (July 15) to gather community feedback on a proposed upgrade to a stretch of WIS 70 in Oneida County. The proposed project spans WIS 70 from County F to Morgan Road, just outside of Minocqua. According to WisDOT, the primary goals of the project are to mill and pave the existing asphalt roadway and to replace the aging box culvert at the Tomahawk River, located just east of Kenwood Terrace, with a brand-new bridge structure. Local residents, business owners, and commuters are encouraged to attend the meeting to review preliminary plans, ask questions, and share their input. The meeting will be held at Minocqua Center Board Room. They are planning a brief presentation at 5pm followed by an open house.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News A Price County man charged in a fatal rollover crash that killed his passenger last fall may be nearing a plea deal. During a status hearing in Taylor County court on Monday, prosecutors and the defense announced they have reached a potential agreement in the case against 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon, scheduling a plea and sentencing hearing later this year. The charges stem from a single-vehicle crash on October 20, 2025, along County Road C in the Town of Rib Lake. According to investigators, Kaplon's SUV left the roadway at a high speed, struck several trees, and rolled onto its side. His passenger, 49-year-old Sharon Kaplon of Ogema, died from her injuries. Kaplon faces felony charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and homicide by vehicle through the use of a controlled substance. A plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 5.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News With sky-high temps settled across the Northwoods, Wisconsin Public Service says it's ready to handle increased electricity needs as air conditioners and fans work overtime. WPS says all available power plants are prepared to meet peak demand, and crews are standing by in case storms or extreme weather cause power outages. The utility is also reminding customers that a few simple steps can help keep homes cooler and energy bills lower, including closing blinds and windows during the hottest part of the day, raising the thermostat a few degrees when you're away from home, and delaying off heat-producing chores like cooking or laundry until the evening. For more energy-saving tips to beat the heat, we recently offered a story on simple solutions around the home. Seal air leaks. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and siding. This keeps cool air in and hot air out.Use fans, even if you have air conditioning. Distributing air makes rooms feel cooler. Remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room.Install a programmable or smart thermostat. They can automatically adjust your cooling settings when you are home or away. Our partners at Focus on Energy have great product options and rebates.Clean air filters help HVAC systems and air conditioners run efficiently and can lower energy use up to 15%. Check your filter every 30 days and especially when the system is heavily used, such as during hot summer and cold winter months. If the filter is dirty, replace it if disposable, or clean it if permanent.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Cleaning out closets paid off in a big way for the Tomahawk community during spring cleaning. During last month's Community-Wide Garage Sale, residents could also drop off clothing and household items at the Goodwill North Central Wisconsin donation semi which was stationed at SARA Park. The final numbers are in, and the community donated more than 10,000 pounds of items. According to Goodwill Donation Acquisition Manager Aaron Clark, those donations will provide the equivalent of 733 hours of job training for people across north central Wisconsin. Clark thanked WJJQ, the community and everyone who contributed, saying the support helps Goodwill continue its mission of eliminating barriers to employment. Goodwill says, on average, 90 cents of every dollar spent in its stores is reinvested into local employment programs and services. The donation drive was held in conjunction with WJJQ's annual community-wide garage sale promotion.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News The public has a rare, hands-on opportunity to help construct an authentic Ojibwe summer wigwam at the North Lakeland Discovery Center this week. Under the direction of master builder and Ojibwe tribal member Wayne Valliere, volunteers will assemble a 15-foot diameter structure using traditional components harvested entirely from local Northwoods forests. Organizers say the experience will allow participants to connect directly with regional history and traditional Indigenous building techniques. Once completed, the wigwam will become a permanent outdoor centerpiece for the center's newly opened Northwoods Forest History Experience. Those interested can stop by to observe or lend a hand. The build runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through Friday.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Whether casting a line, enjoying a quiet paddle, pulling a water skier, or relaxing on a pontoon, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes is shared by boaters of all types. Now, those who frequent the waters are being asked to provide feedback on how they use them to help protect them. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA) has launched a stakeholder survey that will remain open through the summer. Organizers say the input will guide future lake management and support funding and grant opportunities, helping to protect the chain and its watershed for generations to come. The survey is open to residents, property owners, visitors, and anyone who utilizes the water. The gathered data will help shape local priorities for conservation education, water condition monitoring, and the control of invasive aquatic species. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available online at ERCLA.org.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A motorcyclist was hospitalized following a high-speed crash in Lincoln County last week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls last Tuesday. A preliminary investigation determined the operator was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed, lost control on a curve, and entered the median. The motorcycle rolled several times, throwing the driver from the bike. Deputies noted the driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No update on their condition has been released. In other incidents from the Sheriff's Report… A Merrill man was arrested for 3rd offense OWI following a traffic stop for reckless driving. A Tomahawk man was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct follow a disturbance at a home in the Town of King. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down this past week with just three reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A massive collection of snowmobiles and motorcycles will soon go up for auction as part of an effort to repay victims of a multi-million-dollar investment fraud scheme. The U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury announced that online auctions begin July 28 for hundreds of vehicles seized from 64-year-old Stanley Pophal of Wausau. Pophal pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud and money laundering after admitting he defrauded 190 investors out of $14.25 million. Investigators seized more than 600 items purchased with investor money, including hundreds of snowmobiles stored in a rented warehouse.As part of the settlement, Pophal agreed to forfeit the assets. Federal officials say proceeds from the auctions will go toward restitution for victims. Apple Auctioneering Company will handle the sale. Details about the items will be listed online in the coming days. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to register in advance of the sale. Pophal is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 2 in federal court.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A Mosinee man will spend the next seven-and-a-half years in federal prison after admitting he intended to distribute a large quantity of methamphetamine in Northern Wisconsin. Thirty-three-year-old Tyler Briggs was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Authorities arrested Briggs in January after an undercover drug buy outside a Wausau bar. Investigators say they found more than 1½ pounds of methamphetamine in his backpack, and Briggs admitted he was dealing drugs. During sentencing, Judge William Conley said the large amount of methamphetamine placed Briggs in a different category of drug trafficker and warranted a lengthy prison sentence. Briggs will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. The case was investigated by the FBI's Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, which includes the Marathon and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and several other local, state and federal agencies.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Wisconsin drivers should be on their best behavior this week, as state troopers will be watching from some very unusual vantage points. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced the return of two enforcement campaigns this week: its aerial enforcement initiative and the "Trooper in a Truck" program. State Patrol pilots are scheduled to spend today high above Oneida County, tracking aggressive drivers and speeders on US Highway 51 from a bird's-eye view. The aerial crews then communicate with cruisers on the ground to initiate traffic stops. Officials say the goal is not just to hand out tickets; by announcing the campaign publicly, they hope to encourage drivers to voluntarily follow the rules of the road. But the State Patrol's creative tactics do not stop in the sky. Troopers will also be swapping their squads for semis this week. The "Trooper in a Truck" campaign pairs officers with commercial truck drivers, giving law enforcement an elevated vantage point to spot distracted or reckless drivers. They'll be working in regions around the state all week long, focusing on Northwoods highways on Friday.

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