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Tomahawk Music on the River Announces Summer Concert Line-Up

Published on 04/27/2026 under News It won't be long before Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk is once again filled with the sound of music. This past week, organizers of Music on the River announced the line-up for the nineteenth season of the summer concert series. Once again a mix of fan favorites and newcomers, they'll feature a little something for everyone, no matter what genre of music is a favorite. It all kicks off June 17 with a returning fan favorite. The Cougars will be back on the prowl in Tomahawk. Then over the next six Wednesdays it'll be: B.D. Greer with The Gents (June 24); Ember (July 1); The Ramble (July 8); Johnny and the Motones (July 15); The Jimmy's (July 22); The series will close out on July 29 with Copperbox. As always, these concerts are free. They're held in the riverside pavilion at Veteran's Memorial Park offering not only viewing by land, but also by water. Of course stay tuned to WJJQ each Wednesday as we'll preview that night's concert. _____ Speaking of music announcements, Tomahawk Main Street announced the headliner for the Fall Ride Street Dance. Rockers Jackyl will be returning to the Northwoods to play the 45th edition of the Fall Ride, with local rock band Storm opening. They also announced a pair of shows, Friday and Saturday, from Nashville recording artist Brooks Herring along with some additional supporting acts from around the region.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Authorities in Lincoln County are investigating a fatal incident that followed a traffic stop near Tomahawk over the weekend. According to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday at just before 5 p.m. along Highway 51 north of County Road A. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had initiated a traffic stop when the occupant of the vehicle fled. According to the release, the driver sustained what is believed to be a self-inflicted fatal injury. Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with officers from the Tomahawk Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say no additional information is being released at this time.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Firefighters from across Oneida County spent Saturday practicing life-saving skills during a specialized training in vehicle extrication. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue hosted the day-long "Heavy Rescue Training" class at its station, bringing together crews from multiple departments for both classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios. The training was led by instructors from Midwest Fire Tactics. Participants worked through a series of simulated rescue situations set up on-site, giving firefighters the opportunity to practice extrication techniques in a controlled environment. Officials say the training helps crews learn new methods and refine their approach when responding to serious crashes. Departments taking part included Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Newbold Fire Department, Crescent Volunteer Fire Department, Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Cassian Volunteer Fire Department, and Little Rice Fire Department. Organizers also thanked T&M Towing and Repair for providing vehicles used in the training, and Dinges Fire Company for supplying AMKUS extrication tools.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News An estimated 1 in 3 Wisconsinite's use private wells for their drinking water. And the Lincoln County Health Department is reminding these property owners to ensure their drinking water is safe. Erin Ray is an environmental Health Technician with the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "The only way to know what is in your water is to test." She added that spring is the perfect time to do so. Over the next few weeks, they are specifically focused on arsenic testing by offering two collection periods, this week (April 27-May 1) and then again May 11-15. They recommend property owners have their wells tested for arsenic once every 5 years. Elevated arsenic levels are associated with a number of increased health risks. The DNR has grant money available for those who find elevated levels of arsenic in their water supply. The arsenic testing kits are $40 at the Health Department, and you can contact their office for more information. Their water lab can also test for bacteria and nitrates.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Another new road construction project is getting underway in the Rhinelander area, while several ongoing projects continue. According to the DoT's weekly project update (a full list of projects is available online), crews will begin summer-long work on Highway 8 between Highway 47 and 17 north this week. The project will including new pavement, along with several single lane roundabouts at Highway 8 intersections at 17 South and County G. During construction, traffic will be detoured through Rhinelander. Work is schedule to run into September. As for other projects in the area: Here in Tomahawk, crews continue to work on the Highway 86/County D bridge that crosses Highway 51. The overpass remains closed through May 11. North of Tomahawk, Work continues on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and Oneida County L. That segment is temporarily closed and detoured through May 15. The project is scheduled to continue for a month after the re-opening, with temporary lane closures. And in Minocqua, crews are working on Highway 51 between the Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. A summer-long project, they will maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction throughout the work. Work is scheduled to run into November.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage of the spring-like weather this weekend to finish up yard work can have it removed this week. It's time once again for then annual City of Tomahawk spring yardwaste pick-up. The Public Works Department will be out each morning collecting curbside yard waste. They did offer a reminder of rules. First and foremost, clean up is for brush and yard waste only. The brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the curb. Leaves should be placed in plastic bags, no other garbage should be in those bags. Items should be set out no later than 7am each morning. If you miss this week's pick-up, CITY OF TOMAHAWK RESIDENTS ONLY, can drop off those items at the city yard waste collection site located off South Tomahawk Avenue.

Published on 04/24/2026 under News After nearly a decade on the job, one of Lincoln County's most recognizable deputies is trading in her badge for belly rubs and boat rides. K-9 Nina, a longtime member of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, is retiring after nine years of service, wrapping up her final shift Thursday. Nina was trained as a dual-purpose tracking and narcotics detection dog, and paired with Deputy Sam Steckbauer. They worked their first shift on June 19, 2017. Over the course of her career, Nina was deployed hundreds of times, assisting in both civil and criminal cases. She helped track lost individuals and played a role in numerous drug-related arrests, becoming a valuable asset to the department. Beyond her work in the field, Nina was also a familiar face at community events, where she quickly became a favorite among residents. In retirement, they said Nina will remain with Detective Steckbauer and his family. They said her retirement will also include plenty of well-earned rest, pontoon rides, barking at the mail carrier, and the occasional treat including a little extra pumpkin mixed in with her kibble.

Published on 04/24/2026 under News While their next production isn't coming until fall, the Tomahawk Community Theater is staying busy. The community theater group was established five years ago as a way for those interested in the fine arts to connect and create. Since that time, they've put on four productions, two children's workshops, and even a talent show, but they're not slowing down. Board Members Jen Turkiewicz and Sherry Hulett have been involved in theater since the first production. Earlier this week, they stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk about an upcoming open house on Sunday that will serve as both a preview of their upcoming calendar as well as an opportunity for more people to get involved. At Sunday's event, they plan to roll out a full year of events and productions including the return of the annual children's theater workshop held each July. Attendees can also meet cast and board members, explore ways to get involved, and learn about opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes from acting and set design to lighting, makeup. They said the open house is designed to be casual and welcoming, whether you're a longtime supporter or just curious about community theater. Those interested in the theater can stop by Sideways in Downtown Tomahawk Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

Published on 04/24/2026 under News One person is dead, another injured in a two vehicle accident in Langlade County earlier this week. According to the Langlade County Sheriff's office, that crash happened Wednesday night at shortly before 10:30pm. Responders were called to Highway 45 near County X in the Town of Antigo for what appeared to be a head-on collision with serious injuries. The drivers were the lone occupants of their vehicles. One driver, identified as 45 year old Gina Marie Brunner of Wittenberg, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a 25 year old Antigo man, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. His name was not immediately released. According to the release, alcohol is suspected was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

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Published on 04/24/2026 under News A garage was destroyed, a nearby home damaged following a fire in Vilas County earlier this week. According to Arbor Vitae Fire/Rescue, crews were dispatched to a property on Coons Lane Tuesday morning. They arrived to find a two-car garage that was completely destroyed with debris still smoldering. A home around 40 feet from the garage sustained heat damage. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish any remaining hotspots. No one was home and no injuries were reported. In the news release, the fire department noted the fire spread closer to the home through a layer of leaves on the ground, serving as a reminder to clear yard debris from the areas surrounding structures. Damage is estimated at approximately $50,000 to the garage, contents, and nearby home. It is believed the fire started in the garage sometime during the night, an exact cause wasn't immediately determined.

Published on 04/24/2026 under News After starting off the week with Earth Day activities and education, today is focused on the trees. The last Friday of April is Arbor Day. The observance was started in Nebraska more than 100 years ago and continues to this date. The DNR continues to take part in their annual mission of providing tree education to young learners. Along with classroom lessons, many students can get their hands dirty by planting a tree themselves. This gives kids a chance to follow the growth of the tree through their schooling. The DNR has once again donated tree seedlings to fourth-grade classrooms around the state for students to plant, more than 50,000 trees in all. Wisconsin is home to around 17 million acres of forest lands that offer numerous benefits through the forest industry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and protecting the environment. DNR Applied Forestry bureau director Carmen Hardin says Arbor Day is a good time to reflect the importance of both urban and rural forests. She added, "Everyone has a role in ensuring that both continue to serve a vital role in the ecological, cultural and economic health of our state, our local communities and our individual lives."

Published on 04/24/2026 under News When taking care of spring cleaning, people are encouraged to check their medicine cabinets as well. The first of two scheduled drug-take back events takes place on Saturday across the state of Wisconsin. Ridding your home of unused and unwanted prescriptions not only clears clutter, but also eliminates the chance of misuse while also offering an environmentally safe way to dispose of medications. More and more communities are featuring permanent drop-off locations available year-round, and the semi-annual Drug Take Back day serves as a good reminder to utilize the service. Residents here in Lincoln County have 4 permanent drop-off locations including the Marshfield Clinic-Merrill, Tomahawk Pharmacy, and the Merrill and Tomahawk Police Departments. The Tomahawk Police Department, alone, collected more than 21,000 pills, along with liquid, cream and gel medications, and over 6000 syringes last year. The Wisconsin Department of Health website features an interactive map listing drop-off locations. Wisconsin is annually a nationwide leader in these efforts.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Preparations are ramping up for an event set to bring local business leaders and community members together. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its 2026 Economic Summit next Tuesday where they'll focus on the theme "Energizing the Small Business Spirit." Continuing the alternating city format, they'll return to Merrill after last spring's event was in Tomahawk. LCEDC Executive Director Sara Guild says the full-day event will highlight ways to strengthen local businesses and grow the regional economy. It is designed to spark collaboration and support long-term economic success across Lincoln County and the surrounding region. The morning will feature updates from local leaders, economic partners, and experts. In the afternoon, attendees will take part in interactive sessions focused on practical strategies from improving marketing efforts and connecting with support resources. The summit will wrap up with a presentation centered on community-driven growth in small towns, aimed at turning ideas into action. Guild says they already have more than 100 attendees registered. There are still some seats available with options including half-day, full-day, and group opportunities. Visit the LCEDC website for more information.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News A Northwoods program aimed at fighting food insecurity is handing out more than just a meal, it's also putting a new book on hunger into the hands of local kids. Feed Our Rural Kids, or FORK, offers a number of programs and outreach in Vilas and Oneida Counties to address hunger. As part of their latest effort, dubbed Project Lulu, they're also tackling the stigma that may come along with it. More than 30 copies of the award-winning children's book Lulu and the Hunger Monster have been distributed to elementary schools, libraries, and resource centers across the Northwoods. The book, written by Erik Talkin, helps young readers better understand and empathize with the experience of hunger, while breaking down harmful stereotypes. Local organizers say the goal is to spark conversations and build understanding. Project leaders hope that by combining education with outreach, they can help lift the weight of stigma and ensure more families feel comfortable accessing the support they need. Photo: Kate Frisk Head Librarian of the Boulder Junction Public Library with Project Lulu Chairperson Rick Miech

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Spring is upon us and wildlife officials are offering their yearly reminder to leave animals and their newborns alone. It's part of the annual Keep Wildlife Wild campaign. All too often a well-meaning person will come across a fledgling bird, baby rabbit or newborn fawn. While the animal may appear abandoned, the DNR says more likely than not, the mother is nearby or will return soon. DNR officials say young animals are often left unattended for long stretches while parents search for food, and human interference can do more harm than good. Using the example of a fawn, they explained that natural behavior is to keep still and quiet. This keeps them safe from predators while their mothers forage for food. Drawing attention to a fawn's location can tip-off predators and also keep the mother away longer than expected. If you do come across a young animal that appears sick or you feel may be truly abandoned, they instead recommend taking a picture, video and some notes. Share that information with the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They'll be able to provide further guidance based on the information your provide.

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