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Upcoming Tomahawk Area Pool Tournament Supports Veterans, Honor Flight

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Some of the top billiard players in the Northwoods and beyond will face off in Tomahawk this weekend, all to support a great cause. With Veterans Day approaching, the community is hosting a mixed-doubles, 8-ball pool tournament. Proceeds will benefit the local Never Forgotten Honor Flight, an organization dedicated to transporting local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Ahead of the event, we spoke with organizers, including Misty Bergsrud. The mission hits close to home for her family: Bergsrud served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where she met her husband, a fellow service member. That background makes raising funds for veteran organizations, especially those serving older veterans, deeply meaningful to her. After nearly doubling proceeds in each of the tournament's first two years, organizers hope to build on that momentum with strong community and business support. This year's event features more than 70 raffle baskets, including several high-ticket items. Though player spots in the tournament are fully booked, organizers encourage community members to come out, cheer on the players, and buy raffle tickets. The local VFW will serve as raffle headquarters, with pool matches hosted across roughly a dozen area taverns.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to keep their dollars close to home. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber is bringing back its annual "Loyal to Local" campaign. While the program previously ran during the summer, organizers shifted the focus to November to highlight local spending during the peak holiday shopping months. The initiative aims to showcase how everyday purchasing decisions impact the local economy. Studies show that approximately sixty-eight dollars of every one hundred dollars spent at an independent local business remains in the community, compared to just forty-three dollars spent at a chain store. Chamber C-E-O Lauren Sackett emphasizes that shopping small is an opportunity to explore everything the area has to offer. She says,"We encourage residents and visitors to find new favorites and remember local businesses when making everyday spending decisions." Residents are also invited to take the "Loyal to Local" pledge by committing to spend at least fifty dollars at a business they don't typically visit. Organizers estimate that if every Rhinelander resident took the pledge, it would generate over four hundred fourteen thousand dollars in local revenue. Community members who complete the pledge will be entered into a drawing for a local prize package. Beyond the pledge, the Chamber notes other ways to participate include sharing favorite businesses on social media, leaving positive reviews, and giving the gift of Chamber bucks which keeps spending within the community.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Despite a challenging Election Day for Republicans statewide, Representative Calvin Callahan won re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, though he will return to Madison under a vastly different political landscape. Callahan's victory on Tuesday secures his fourth term representing the 35th Assembly District. However, with Democrats taking control of the Capitol, Callahan will serve in the Assembly minority for the first time in his political career. Speaking after his win, Callahan thanked Northwoods voters for continuing to trust him to bring their voices to Madison, crediting his campaign's focus on local cost-of-living issues. He said, "This race was about affordability, lower taxes, lower utility bills, and lower health care costs." Looking ahead to his new role in the minority, Callahan pledged to remain a strong advocate for his constituents. "With a Democrat trifecta, I'll keep standing up for your home," Callahan said. "I'll vote no on tax increases, keep pushing to lower costs, and work across the aisle to do what's right for the Northwoods."

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Fresh off another busy election week, the Town of Nokomis is preparing for a major transition in local leadership. Though her name was not on the ballot on Tuesday, longtime Town Clerk Wendi Smith has announced she is stepping down after nearly 19 years of service to the township. Over the past two decades, Smith has served as a steady administrative pillar in Nokomis, overseeing municipal recordkeeping, town board operations, and dozens of local elections. In a farewell message to the community, Smith expressed her deep appreciation to residents for their support, trust, and cooperation throughout her tenure. "Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and to serve this community," Smith said. "I leave with a grateful heart and treasured memories." As town officials prepare for the upcoming administrative transition, Smith extended her best wishes for the community's continued success and prosperity, capping off nearly two decades of commitment to the people of Nokomis.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has officially given its final stamp of approval to the city's updated Emergency Management ordinance. Council members voted unanimously and without further discussion at their Tuesday meeting to adopt the measure, which modernizes local disaster response guidelines and cleans up the language in the municipal code. The updated ordinance establishes a clear chain of command during widespread emergencies, naming the Mayor as the city's Local Emergency Management Director. Delegating overall direction to the mayor ensures police and fire chiefs can stay focused on hands-on operational duties when disaster strikes. The measure also better defines when and how a local state of emergency can be declared. The measure was recommended by the Health and Safety Committee at their meeting in September, and introduced to the Council at their meeting last month.The vote followed a public hearing in which no members of the public spoke.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News A major fundraising effort is paving the way for a brand-new neonatal intensive care unit at Marshfield Children's Hospital. Thanks to community support and donations led by the Sanford Health Foundation, more than 12.5 million dollars has been raised to construct a modern, family-centered N-I-C-U. The effort included more than 1.6 million dollars committed by emeritus physicians and leaders. The new facility will feature 26 private rooms—more than double the size of the current unit—allowing parents to stay overnight with their infants. The space will also incorporate cutting-edge medical technology, research integration with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, and support services like music therapy and child life programs in partnership with the Children's Miracle Network. Marshfield Clinic President and C-E-O Dr. Brian Hoerneman says the project reflects a shared commitment to local families, ensuring infants receive world-class care close to home in Northern and Central Wisconsin. Construction on the new N-I-C-U is scheduled to begin in late 2027.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Despite a strong blue wave across the country, seats in Northern Wisconsin are staying red. Starting in the 7th congressional district, twenty-six-year-old Republican Michael Alfonso defeated Democrat Fred Clark, holding the seat for the GOP. Alfonso becomes the youngest member of the House, making history as the first Gen Z member of Congress born in the 21st century. In a statement following his victory, Alfonso thanked voters across the Northwoods, emphasizing his primary goal of keeping the region affordable so young families can stay, work, and thrive. He also noted that his age provides a fresh perspective on the issues facing everyday Americans. While new to Capitol Hill, Alfonso enters office with family ties in this district. His father-in-law, former Congressman Sean Duffy, represented the Northwoods for eight years before stepping down in 2019. Alfonso succeeds outgoing Congressman Tom Tiffany, who did not seek re-election, instead turning his attention towards his ultimately unsuccessful bid for governor. It ends a fifteen year stretch representing Northern Wisconsin across the State Assembly, State Senate, and U.S. House. Wisconsin's overall congressional delegation now stands at 4-4 after Democratic flips in District 1 and 3. Republican incumbents also won a pair of local assembly seats with Calvin Callahan defeating Elizabeth McCrank in the 35th district, while Rob Swearingen surpassed Merlin Van Buren in the 34th.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Preliminary election results point to mixed outcomes for North Central Wisconsin schools seeking additional funding. In the Edgar School District, voters approved a five-year extension of their existing one-point-four million dollar annual referendum. In the Athens School District, voters leaned in favor of a six hundred thousand dollar annual operational referendum over the next four years. Meanwhile, preliminary numbers show the Minocqua J1 School District's three-point-five million dollar recurring operational referendum was defeated. The measure sought to exceed state revenue limits starting in 2027 to support MHLT and its partner charter schools. Statewide, more than seventy Wisconsin school districts had funding questions on Tuesday's ballot, reflecting a growing rely on local referendums to cover operational costs across the state.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News We are still roughly 50 days from Christmas, but Northwoods volunteers are already busy preparing a global gift-giving outreach. While simple in concept, Operation Christmas Child makes a massive impact on children around the world. Ahead of every holiday season, volunteers fill shoeboxes with small gifts, school supplies, toys, and hygiene items, which are then distributed to children in need. Maria Nakala is the regional coordinator overseeing collections across six Northwoods counties. She stopped by the WJJQ studios this week to drop off supplies and talk about the program, which she has been part of for roughly 25 years, getting involved, she says, simply "to bring joy." Nakala noted that everyday items we often take for granted, like a washcloth or a notebook, can be deeply meaningful to a child. Even what she calls a "wow item" can be as simple as a stuffed animal or a soccer ball. When it comes to packing the boxes, Nakala added that hosting a packing afternoon is a great group activity for friends and family, noting that she often packs boxes alongside her own children and grandchildren. To ensure all gifts arrive in time for Christmas, local effort is already underway. Instructional pamphlets are available now at the WJJQ office, and full details can be found online at the Operation Christmas Child website. The Rock Church on Kaphaem Rd will serve as a local collection point.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News The Tomahawk Common Council finalized changes to the city's room tax ordinance during its meeting last night, approving the second reading of the measure. The updated ordinance was amended to raise the city's room tax rate from 4% to 5%; while also establishing stronger oversight and updating and clarifying language. The ordinance was approved by voice vote following a quiet public hearing with no comments. As outlined in state law, a majority of the revenue generated from the room tax supports tourism promotion and development designed to draw overnight visitors. The city currently partners with the Tomahawk Chamber to distribute those funds. A companion ordinance that would formally establish a City Tourism Commission was left off last night's agenda. Officials are withholding final action on the commission while awaiting decisions from neighboring townships, which are currently exploring their own room tax proposals. Waiting on neighboring municipalities leaves open the potential for a joint, regional commission to manage tourism funds across participating local governments.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Quick action by the Merrill Fire Department saved three pets and contained a residential structure fire over the weekend. Crews were dispatched to a house fire on South Foster Street at around 7:30 p.m.Sunday. Upon arrival, firefighters spotted smoke coming from the rear of the home. The crew forced entry into the residence, quickly extinguished the flames, and ensured no lingering hotspots. Firefighters rescued three cats from inside the home. No injuries were reported, though the occupants were displaced due to the damage. The family is working with the Red Cross and other local partners for temporary lodging and needs. The Merrill Police Department and Wisconsin Public Service also assisted at the scene. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial findings suggest it was unintentional.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Disaster recovery efforts following the severe April 17th tornado in Marathon County are moving into their final stages. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin announced the disaster relief fund is shifting from immediate response to long-term rebuilding. Local support has been strong—more than 880 donors contributed over $455,000 to aid recovery efforts across the area. Officials are reminding the public that key support programs are drawing to a close. Residents applying for the foundation's Recovery Grant, which offers up to $4,000 per household for rebuilding expenses, have until December 4th to submit their applications. Looking ahead to next year, the foundation will open its final funding stream, the Last Dollars Emergency Fund Grant, on January 1st. According to Foundation President Tim Parker, this final phase is designed to close remaining financial gaps as families settle insurance and federal disaster claims. More information on the grants and application deadlines is available on the Community Foundation's online portal.

+ Read More Local Voters Head to Polls

Published on 11/03/2026 under News Polling places across the Northwoods are officially open today as local residents step into the voting booth to decide local, state, and national contests." At the top of the ballot, an open governor's seat features Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and current 7th District Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany's run leaves an open seat in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, where Republican Michael Alfonso faces Democrat Fred Clark. Statewide, voters will also decide races for Attorney General, Treasurer, and Secretary of State, along with three proposed constitutional amendments. In the state legislature, a pair of local rematches are on the ballot. District 35 Republican Calvin Callahan faces Democratic challenger Elizabeth McCrank, while District 34 Representative Rob Swearingen takes on Democratic challenger Merlin Van Buren. Sheriff races in Vilas, Oneida, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon counties are also up for election, though each incumbent or candidate is running unopposed—with Lincoln and Langlade counties set to welcome new sheriffs following a pair of retirements. Finally, voters in the Athens, Edgar, and Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland school districts are among those deciding on local school referendum funding. Voters can visit MyVote.wi.gov and enter their address to view their specific sample ballot and polling place details before heading out to vote.

Published on 11/03/2026 under News Beyond high-profile candidate races, voters in several Northwoods communities are deciding on a major local school funding request today. The Minocqua J1 School District has placed a recurring operational referendum question on the ballot. The district serves Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland (MHLT), along with Creative Minds and Lakeland STAR charter schools. If approved, the measure will allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.5 million annually starting in the 2027–2028 school year. District officials estimate the initial tax impact will be approximately 66 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value, though they project the mill rate could stabilize or even drop over time as local property values grow. Other North Central Wisconsin districts with referendum questions on today's ballot include Athens and Edgar. Athens is seeking $600,000 annually for four years for operational and maintenance expenses. Edgar is looking to extend its existing referendum at $1.4 million annual for another 5 years to maintain programs, services and maintenance. Statewide there are more than 70 districts seeking additional funding.

Published on 11/03/2026 under News Aspirus Merrill Hospital is celebrating a century of service to Lincoln County by looking straight toward the future. First opening its doors in November 1926, the hospital is marking its 100th anniversary this month while putting the final touches on a major 40-million-dollar renovation set to wrap up early next year. The project modernizes key patient spaces, adding a new Emergency Department triage room, expanded imaging and laboratory facilities, a dedicated inpatient physical therapy suite, and ten new patient rooms to double inpatient capacity to 20 beds. Interim Chief Administrative Officer Deakin Washatko called reaching 100 years an incredible milestone, noting that leadership is proud of the hospital's history, while they continue to focus on securing quality care close to home for generations to come. The Aspirus Health Foundation plans to host a community open house in early 2027 to showcase the upgrades and celebrate a century of service to Merrill-area families.

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