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Lincoln County Agencies Partner to Handout Gun Locks, Safety Information

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Local health and law enforcement agencies are teaming up this September to make homes across Lincoln County safer by providing free firearm safety resources to the public. In recognition of National Preparedness Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Lincoln County Health Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill, and the Tomahawk Public Library are distributing free gun locks, firearm safety information, and crisis prevention materials. Officials note,"Safe storage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive." They said secure storage is a critical, low-cost step toward preventing accidental shootings, unauthorized access by children, and access to lethal means during a mental health crisis. Residents can pick up a free cable lock and safety packet during normal business hours throughout September at the Sheriff's Office Lobby, the Health Department, or either of the two public libraries. Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Community members are encouraged to stop by any participating location to grab a lock and take an easy step toward protecting their homes and families.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Facility renovations will force the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office to temporarily relocate later this month. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says that the updates are designed to enhance facilities for local veterans and their families. The project is expected to begin September 14. During the renovation period, public operations will move down the road to the Lincoln County Human Services Building. Directional signage will be posted at both buildings to guide visitors. Office hours will stay the same. Upon arrival at the temporary location, visitors should check in at the front desk and wait in the lobby for the Veteran Service Officer or Deputy VSO. Officials appreciate the community's patience and encourage veterans to plan their service needs around the transition. We'll offer another reminder as the project gets underway, once again planned to begin September 14. A completion date wasn't provided.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Price County earlier this week. According to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) incident report, the crash occurred Wednesday in the Town of Emery, east of Phillips. A 72-year-old man was driving along an established road route when he veered off the roadway, causing the machine to roll over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. This marks Wisconsin's 33rd fatal ATV/UTV crash this year. As we covered earlier this week, the DNR and local recreation deputies are conducting their "Think Smart Before You Start" ATV/UTV safety and enforcement campaign through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News The summer is quickly winding down, and in the coming weeks folks will be closing up cabins, camps, and resorts for the winter. Local food pantries are encouraging people to check for any food can be donated rather than discarded. Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in the Northwoods and any help the local food pantries and other food distribution programs receive is greatly appreciated. Whether closing up over the Labor Day holiday or a bit later this fall, they're asking seasonal property owners to review food and consider donating to an outreach organization to help restock their shelves heading to the fall and winter. Non-perishables are always needed, but make sure they are unopened and in-date. Food pantries may have different policies for refrigerated and frozen foods, along with fresh produce. It's best to reach out to your local pantry to see if they accept these items.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News State officials are urging caution on Wisconsin's lakes and rivers this Labor Day weekend. With the holiday marking the summer's final major boating weekend, the Department of Natural Resources expects high traffic on area waterways. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lieutenant John Sinclair reminds boaters that operating a boat requires a different skill set than driving a car, emphasizing the need to know your equipment, abilities, and state laws. Warden patrols have already investigated 21 fatal boating incidents in Wisconsin this year, with most victims not wearing life jackets. Officials remind boaters to wear life jackets, stay sober, and obey speed limits. Boaters are also reminded to drain all water and remove aquatic plants or mud from boats and trailers before leaving launches to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News We've been talking about back to school all week, but sometimes students need to stay home when feeling ill—and health experts at Aspirus are sharing key guidelines for parents as young learners return to class. Being in close proximity with other students in the classroom encountering germs is inevitable. Studies show children average two to three colds each year, However, knowing when to keep a child home is vital to stopping the spread of illness. According to Ashley Schuelke, a nurse practitioner with Aspirus, students should stay home if they have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or are simply too sick to participate in learning. Mild cold symptoms alone don't require staying home, provided the child feels well enough for class activities. Schuelke says that parents should "trust their instincts," but added, "It is important to keep a sick child home from school to prevent the spread to other classmates and staff." Children can return to school once they feel well and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or dehydration is a concern.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Tomahawk city leaders are retooling their strategy for a possible spring levy referendum. Members of the Tomahawk Finance Committee held a special meeting Wednesday night to brainstorm strategies for winning over voters if they make another funding request. In April 2026, the City Council asked residents to increase the base levy by 20%—a boost of up to $276,000. Voters rejected the proposal, with 56% opposing the increase. Because the deadline to place a measure on the upcoming November ballot has passed, the committee is targeting the April spring election instead. They have not yet finalized the referendum question or dollar amount. Much of the session Wednesday centered on outreach, education, and messaging. Acknowledging that number-heavy spreadsheets can overwhelm voters, the committee plans to highlight tangible impacts. Moving forward, they will detail the exact municipal services at risk after years of cumulative budget cuts. This could be snow plow policies, reduced times for the splash pad, the yard waste site, and Fall Ride expenditures. Finance Chair Mickey Loka emphasized that city leaders must do a better job of making their case, stating that they need to "sell our need" and take the facts directly to the public. To ensure the message lands, the city is preparing a multi-pronged outreach strategy combining public informational sessions, online updates, traditional media coverage, and even door-to-door visits by local alders. A successful vote next spring would not affect the city's bottom line until the 2028 fiscal year. In the meantime, committee members will ramp up work on the 2027 budget over the coming weeks.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Vilas County's trail network continues to expand, thanks to new grant funding for a major local project. The Town of Cloverland, west of Eagle River, secured nearly $1.3 million through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to launch the River Trail project. (additional information on the trail project) Phase 1 will construct a 1.9-mile multi-use, off-road paved trail stretching from Old Highway 70 Road to Wilderness Trail, complete with wayfinding and bike route signage. This segment will connect to the St. Germain Trail and the popular 55-mile Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. The effort is a partnership between the City of Eagle River, the Towns of Cloverland and St. Germain, and the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, which committed nearly $500,000 to cover required local matching funds, engineering design work, and project administration. With funding secured, local leaders are ready to advance Phase 1, though a project timeline was not immediately available. When fully complete across future phases, the proposed 10-mile River Trail will connect Eagle River to St. Germain and link up with the Three Eagle Trail. The River Trail segment is one of 49 bicycle and pedestrian projects receiving funding through this TAP grant cycle.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Riders heading out on ATVs or UTVs this holiday weekend should be on their best behavior. As part of the state's "Think Smart Before You Start" safety campaign, Department of Natural Resources wardens are joining forces with county recreation deputies to increase patrols along local trails and routes. Their goal is to crack down on risky driving while providing operators with safety tips. The effort comes during a dangerous year on Wisconsin trails, with 31 fatal ATV/UTV crashes reported statewide. DNR Lt. Jake Holsclaw noted that crash numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. "A large percentage of injury and fatal crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts, operating without completing a safety course, or driving with some level of impairment." During the weekend patrol, wardens and deputies will be actively looking for operating while intoxicated (OWI), speeding, careless operation, and violations of helmet and seatbelt laws. While the extra enforcement is focused on the holiday weekend, officials hope the message inspires safe driving habits year-round.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Officials expect heavy holiday travel this weekend and are encouraging motorists to follow the rules of the road. Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the final travel weekend of the summer. Traffic is expected to be heavy at times as drivers head north to enjoy the long weekend or close up their cabins for the season. Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Krstina Boardman says, "Labor Day weekend is a time to make memories and enjoy one last summer adventure." That means making safety part of the plan, whether you are traveling near or far. Officials remind drivers to stay safe by giving emergency responders plenty of room, eliminating distractions behind the wheel, driving sober, and allowing extra travel time when passing through construction zones. To keep traffic moving, the DOT plans to pause most road construction projects over the holiday weekend. However, motorists should still expect occasional lane closures or reduced speed limits in work zones. Drivers hoping to avoid peak traffic should plan around typical holiday weekend flow: northbound traffic is expected to be heaviest late Friday afternoon into the evening, while southbound traffic will remain steady throughout the day on Monday. At a state average of $3.81 per gallon, travelers will pay nearly a dollar more per gallon than last year, when prices hovered around $2.99. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will continue their annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign through the end of the holiday weekend.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News A weekend rollover crash in Lincoln County resulted in the OWI arrest of an Edgar man. According to this week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Office report, deputies responded Saturday to a single-vehicle crash with injuries on County Highway J. Upon arrival, deputies located an unoccupied vehicle. A preliminary investigation indicated the vehicle was traveling northbound when the driver misjudged a curve, entered the inside ditch, and rolled the vehicle. Deputies later learned that the driver and a passenger had been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. After contacting the driver at the hospital, deputies placed him under arrest for first-offense OWI, going armed while intoxicated, and a probation violation. Upon release from the hospital, he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail Other notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… Deputies made one other weekend OWI arrest. It involved a Merrill man, who was allegedly passed out behind the wheel while his vehicle was in the lane of traffic at the intersection of County Roads K and Q. The number of vehicle versus deer crashes was steady with another 5 this past week on Lincoln County Roadways.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News The Vilas County Health Department has issued a temporary health advisory for Big Arbor Vitae Lake Beach due to an active blue-green algae bloom. Wednesday's advisory impacts the beach located on the northeast shoreline of Big Arbor Vitae Lake off Buckhorn Road. Health Department staff are working alongside the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to assess water conditions and post advisory signage at the beach and nearby public access points. Blue-green algae occurs naturally in most Wisconsin bodies of water, but high temperatures and late-summer conditions frequently trigger blooms. Calm winds allow the algae to float to the surface and accumulate along downwind shores, though higher winds and wave action will eventually break up and disperse the floating scum Ingesting contaminated water during recreational activities is the primary cause of algae-related illness. Pets can also be affected. While public health agencies like the Vilas County Health Department monitor some popular swimming areas, it is generally up to the public to check most lakes and rivers and avoid waters where blue-green algae is present.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News New restrictions could be coming to local waters after the Tomahawk City Council votes to crack down on enhanced wakes. At their meeting last night, the Tomahawk City Council approved an ordinance regulating enhanced wakes on Lake Mohawksin and portions of the Wisconsin and Tomahawk Rivers within city limits. Under the new rules, boaters are prohibited from using ballast tanks, ballast bags, or wake-enhancing fins to operate a boat in a bow-high manner that amplifies its wake. Tuesday's meeting drew a large crowd, requiring extra rows of chairs to be brought into Council Chambers. More than a dozen Lake Mohawksin residents spoke in favor of the ordinance during the public hearing and subsequent council discussion, while many others attended to offer silent support. Speakers raised concerns shared by a growing number of communities passing similar restrictions—primarily protecting shorelines and lakebeds from erosion and sediment disturbance, alongside general safety and wildlife preservation. Council members acknowledged that enforcement will be challenging. However, they anticipate that the ordinance itself, combined with public awareness, signage, and community pressure, will serve as an effective deterrent. Traditional activities such as water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding continue to be allowed as along as wake-enhancing equipment is not used. The ordinance also includes a limited exemption for the Kwahamot Water Ski Club. First-time violations carry a $500 fine, increasing to $1,000 for a subsequent offense within a single year. The Council ultimately passed the measure in a 6–2 roll-call vote. (Aye: Kahle, Garske, Haskin, Soward, Nelson, Wegener; Nay: Mike Loka, Mickey Loka; Absent: Bartz) Because the waters are shared with the Town of Bradley, they're expected to take up a similar ordinance later this month.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News Beer and Bacon will be back on the menu in Tomahawk next month. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved the special event application for the second annual Beer and Bacon Bash. The celebration is hosted at SARA Park by WaWui, the volunteer-led group that supports and operates the facility. The October 3 event is described as a celebration of local flavor, fun, and philanthropy, raising money for the non-profit. As the name implies, beer and bacon will be featured throughout the menu, while they'll also have entertainment including a new-this-year kickball tournament. We'll offer a preview in the lead up to the event. The Council also approved the application for the annual Tomahawk High School Homecoming parade. That will be held on October 2 with no proposed changes from past years.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News A local Northwoods tavern set out to honor area veterans, and thanks to community support, they blew their original fundraising goal out of the water. JEB's Bar and Grill recently hosted its "American Beers for American Heroes" event with an initial goal of raising between $2,500 and $5,000, typically enough to send five to ten local veterans to Washington, D.C., through the Never Forgotten Honor Flight program. Instead, generous patrons and neighbors helped the establishment double their expectations, raising a total of $10,000 to cover the cost for 20 local veterans to visit the national monuments built in their honor. Jim Campbell with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight stopped by for a check presentation. An inside wall now includes the silhouettes of 20 saluting service members to recognize the accomplishment. Organizers thanked the community for their support and say they are already looking forward to raising even more next year. The Northwoods Honor Flight chapter typically runs four trips to the nation's capital each year, with two more missions scheduled on the calendar for this fall.

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