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Tomahawk Main Street Earns Gold Tier Status from Wisconsin Main Street

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Tomahawk Main Street is being recognized for their ongoing organizational efforts. The local downtown organization has earned Gold Tier status in the latest accreditation from the Wisconsin Main Street Program. It's the second consecutive year Tomahawk has received the distinction. Gold Tier recognizes Main Street organizations that go above and beyond standards for downtown revitalization, community engagement and organizational performance. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the recognition is a testament to the work of the organization's board, volunteers, donors, sponsors and downtown business members. That includes going above and beyond the outlined requirements. She says one example is board participation. State guidelines require at least 75 percent of board members to take part in Main Street training, but all of Tomahawk's board members completed coursework this past year. She also highlighted efforts such the honor banners, downtown flower baskets, and community events. Beyond the recognition, Turkiewicz says the Gold Tier designation also provides access to additional resources and professional assistance for the organization. She points to state-supported help with Tomahawk's downtown rebranding and landscape architecture work for the planned five-block streetscape project. Those resources can save the community tens of thousands of dollars while helping move downtown projects forward. Tomahawk is one of just 13 communities statewide to earn Gold Tier status this year.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Drivers in the town of Harrison will need to plan for a detour starting this week as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that County Highway D will be closed between Wagonmaker Lane and Mail Route Road for a culvert and bridge replacement over Big Pine Creek. The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, August 10th at 7:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude on Thursday, August 20th. There is an election exception...crews will have County D open Tuesday to accommodate voters for the Wisconsin Primary. Following election day, the road will close again through August 20th so crews can complete the replacement project. Motorists who regularly travel through the township of Harrison are encouraged to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the construction period.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News In the wake of last month's severe storms, Governor Tony Evers has officially declared a period of economic disruption for four Wisconsin counties to protect residents recovering from extensive weather damage. The declaration applies to Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest, and Vilas counties. While the hardest-hit areas included the Fox Valley—where a powerful EF3 tornado tore through Appleton, Neenah/Menasha, the severe storm path stretched much farther north impacting Forest and Vilas counties which were also included in the declaration. Under Governor Evers' executive order, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now directed to strictly enforce anti-price-gouging measures. The rules prohibit merchants from inflating prices on daily necessities, repair materials, and emergency lodging. The Governor says, "These protections are essential to ensure that families and business owners rebuilding their lives aren't taken advantage of during an already difficult time." The emergency protections are effective immediately across all four impacted counties, and are set to expire in 45 days.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News As students head back to school this fall, a new state report highlights the strong impact local technical colleges continue to have on both graduates and employers. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System, employers overwhelmingly praise the quality of technical college training, with the vast majority indicating they are eager to hire WTCS graduates and rely on these institutions to support their business success. The statewide system includes 16 technical colleges, featuring Nicolet College in Rhinelander and Wausau-based Northcentral Technical College, which has several campuses in the region. The latest graduate outcomes report found 92 percent of graduates seeking employment did so within six months of graduation. And 97 percent of employers are satisfied with the education of their technical college graduates WTCS officials say these strong results stem from close partnerships between technical colleges and local industry leaders, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and the skilled trades. Importantly for local communities, many graduates choose to stay and work nearby, serving as a reliable talent pipeline to help meet ongoing workforce needs.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Rhinelander High School graduates from across the decades filled downtown Rhinelander Saturday for the school's annual all-class reunion. While most class reunions bring together graduates from a single year, the Rhinelander event welcomes all former Hodags. Hosted by the Hodag Schools Foundation, the reunion brings alumni together downtown for an afternoon and evening of food, conversation and festivities. Portions of the downtown streets were blocked off for tents and activities as green-clad graduates gathered to catch up with old classmates and make new connections with fellow Rhinelander High School alumni. Organizers say the event is about more than reconnecting with people from the past it's also a chance to meet others who share the common bond of being a Rhinelander High School graduate. This year marked the 12th annual all-class reunion, with sunny summer weather helping draw alumni out to celebrate their shared Hodag heritage.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Kids in Lincoln County have a chance to learn the basics of fishing at a special hands-on event coming up this evening in Merrill. Council Grounds State Park is hosting a Kids Learn to Fish Program from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. today. The class is part of the Wisconsin DNR's statewide "OutWiGo" initiative, which promotes outdoor recreation across state properties. Designed specifically for children ages 6 to 10, the workshop will walk young anglers through the fundamentals of shore fishing. Participants don't need to bring their own tackle, fishing gear will be provided on-site through equipment from the park and the T.B. Scott Free Library's "Library of Things." Experienced anglers from the Friends of Council Grounds State Park will also be on hand to assist and offer tips for beginners. The class itself is free to attend, though a standard vehicle park sticker is required for entry.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News A Tomahawk manufacturer is permanently closing its doors, resulting in the loss of more than 75 local jobs. According to a notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Samuel Pressure Vessel Group will permanently close its facility in Tomahawk. The closure process began this week, and all employees are expected to be laid off by the end of the year. The company says all 76 affected workers have been notified that their job losses are permanent. Wisconsin's Dislocated Worker Program is expected to step in to assist affected staff with job placement, career counseling, and retraining resources. According to the filing, the entire Tomahawk operation will shut down. Samuel Pressure Vessel Group specializes in fabricating metal containers and pressure vessels for industrial and commercial use. According to the company's website, they operate four other facilities across North America, including one in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News Volunteers are set to make another lasting addition to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, right here in Lincoln County this week. Nearly 100 volunteers with the Ice Age Trail Alliance are spending the weekend building almost one mile of new trail west of the Underdown Segment. The project will eliminate nearly a half-mile of road walking between the Underdown and Grandfather Falls segments, creating a safer, more continuous hiking experience. In addition to constructing the new path, crews will build two boardwalks across wet areas, establish a dispersed camping area for long-distance hikers, and complete routine trail maintenance. Senior Director of Field Operations Kevin Thusius says the project not only adds another mile of trail, but also opens up more public land for recreation while utilizing a pedestrian underpass beneath U.S. Highway 51—one intentionally built with future trail users in mind. Work got underway on Thursday. The three-day event marks the halfway point of the Ice Age Trail Alliance's 2026 trail-building season, following previous volunteer-led efforts in Langlade counties earlier this summer. Organizers say anyone interested in helping is welcome to stop by the worksite. No prior experience is necessary, and on-site training is provided.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News Volunteers across the Northwoods will join teams statewide this weekend to monitor local waterways for aquatic invasive species (AIS). Saturday marks the return of the 13th annual AIS Snapshot Day, a citizen-science event focused on locating and identifying invasive plants and animals in Wisconsin's lakes and rivers. Early detection allows conservation leaders to address invasive species outbreaks before they spread. Once verified, new sightings are cataloged to guide removal efforts and shape regional conservation plans. Maureen Ferry, AIS Monitoring Coordinator, says events like Snapshot Day offer a fun and simple way for community members to get involved. She notes that the event targets sites with suspected but unverified invasive species, increasing the chances of finding and managing new infestations early. Twenty host locations are set up across the state, including several in the Northwoods. Lincoln County is participating for its fifth year, with volunteers meeting at Wayside Park north of Tomahawk. Other nearby host sites include Lake Tomahawk, Manitowish Waters, and Crandon. Volunteers can still sign up. Coordinators ask participants to register in advance so site leaders can plan assignments.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News Local farmers markets continue to give Northwoods residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy food straight from farm to table. This week is officially recognized as National Farmers Market Week. Over the years, the popularity of farmers markets has exploded. They offer consumers a chance to purchase locally sourced food directly from growers, often featuring unique heirloom varieties and cultivars of produce that aren't available at traditional grocery stores. Here in Tomahawk, vendors set up on 3rd Street off Main Street every Tuesday, giving shoppers an opportunity to connect directly with local growers, while a separate farm and flea market takes place on Saturday mornings. Most neighboring communities across the Northwoods offer their own weekly market opportunities as well. These markets aren't just about delicious food—they're also playing a major role in community health. Organizations like Aspirus and the ADRC now provide produce prescriptions and vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables, using food as medicine while keeping dollars right here in the local economy. With the growing season in full swing and late-summer harvests right around the corner, officials note it's a great time to check out your local farmer's market.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News Authorities have released additional details regarding a fatal crash in Antigo involving a bicyclist and a semi-truck. According to an update from the Antigo Police Department, the victim has been identified as 45-year-old William Joseph Hildenbrand of Antigo. Emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of 10th Avenue and Superior Street just before 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. Preliminary details indicate Hildenbrand was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a semi-truck attempting to make a wide turn. Bystanders initially rendered aid until emergency crews arrived. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Hildenbrand was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The incident remains under active investigation by the Antigo Police Department, with assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News A Northwoods nonprofit has completed the final phase of a major capital improvement project. Good News Project announced the completion of a renovated loading dock, wrapping up its capital campaign. Organization leaders say the upgraded space will make truck loading and deliveries more efficient while improving accessibility and reliability for daily operations. The project included replacing cracked pavement, improving drainage, and enhancing the appearance of the property. Executive Director Christine Daniels says the renovation is an investment in the organization's staff, operations, and the surrounding neighborhood. The project was funded through community grants and donations. The Good News Project is best known in the Northwoods for two separate outreach programs. They partner with local organizations to host electronics recycling, while also providing a health equipment lending program that travels to Northwoods communities.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News A widespread communications outage earlier this week turned the Tomahawk Public Library into an unexpected hub for remote workers, residents and visitors looking to get back online. Much of the Tomahawk area lost both internet and cell service Monday, disrupting work, communication and daily routines for much of the day. As people searched for a reliable connection, many found their way to the library which maintained internet service. During her monthly report to the Tomahawk City Council, Library Director Heidi O'Hare said approximately 150 people visited the library to use its Wi-Fi network. O'Hare said many patrons were especially grateful to have internet access available, noting that many rely on a connection to do their jobs from home. With nearly every seat occupied, the library was busier than a typical summer afternoon. O'Hare noted that some visitors mentioned the Wi-Fi seemed a little slower than usual, but said that was likely because people were using it throughout the building and even outside. The outage was restored by mid-afternoon, but the unexpected rush served as a reminder that today's public libraries offer more than books. For many communities, they also provide a critical connection when other services go down.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News Several Northwoods communities are set to receive state funding to repair aging culverts and small bridges under a new Wisconsin transportation program. Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced nearly $30 million in grants through the new Local Small Structures Improvement Program. The grants cover up to 90 percent of project costs for culverts and small bridge structures that are critical to rural transportation networks. Locally, the Town of Schley in Lincoln County will receive nearly $572,000, while the Town of Pine Lake in Oneida County was awarded more than $202,000. Additional grants were also awarded to six municipalities in Price County and five in Taylor County. State officials say the improvements will help keep rural roads safe while supporting the movement of agricultural and forestry products that are vital to Northwoods communities. The 101 projects were selected from more than 430 applications statewide, with funding aimed at replacing or repairing structures identified in poor or severe condition. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. "Judging by the number of applications received and funding requested, there is a lot of need for this program."

Published on 08/06/2026 under News The community of Boulder Junction is continuing to earn statewide recognition for its push to expand outdoor recreation. Earlier this summer, Parks Board member Dennis Duke was named the 2026 Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry "Rising Star." State officials visited the Northwoods this past week to officially present Duke with the plaque and celebrate his work. Since joining the board in 2021, Duke has helped lead several major projects—including an inclusive playground, "The Glide" outdoor skating ribbon, and the Tall Pines Disc Golf Course, where the ceremony took place. Beyond planning, state officials praised Duke for his "boots-on-the-ground" leadership in physically transforming these spaces. During their visit, leaders from the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation also toured local facilities to see Boulder Junction's investments firsthand. The recognition marks the second consecutive year the Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Board has received a Governor's Outdoor Industry Award. Last year, "The Glide" ice skating ribbon was honored with the Ascent Award for Innovation.

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