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Tomahawk Main Street Kicks Off Mother’s Day Weekend with Annual Wine Walk

Published on 05/08/2026 under News A Mother's Day weekend tradition in Tomahawk returns for an 11th year as the Tomahawk Main Street Wine Walk will brings hundreds of visitors downtown this evening. For a few hours, more than two dozen shops in downtown Tomahawk will turn into temporary wineries offering lucky ticket holders samples of merlots, pinots and muscattos while enjoying a festive atmosphere. This year's event features 30 stops and a selection of carefully curated wine selections, along with gift bags generously filled by local businesses. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the Wine Walk has become a yearly tradition for many groups of mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends who celebrate together each spring. While Tomahawk Main Street has toyed with the idea of a theme, she noted that some of the groups come up with their own dress up theme. In addition to the wine tastings, downtown visitors can enjoy live music, extended shopping hours and evening entertainment at several locations including an open mic night at Sideways. Turkiewicz says the event continues to benefit downtown businesses by bringing new customers through their doors and showcasing everything the downtown district has to offer. She added that even people without tickets are encouraged to come downtown Friday night to enjoy the atmosphere, music and shopping opportunities. While the event typically sells out, I spoke to Turkiewicz this morning, she had a couple of tickets available that were returned. Those interested can contact Tomahawk Main Street when they open a bit later this morning.

Published on 05/08/2026 under News The largest single-day food drive in the country is taking place this weekend, and local postal carriers are looking forward to the extra work that comes with it. It's time once again for Stamp Out Hunger, a collection put on by the Association of Letter Carriers in cooperation with the US Postal Service. The national collection launched back in 1991. We were recently joined by Tomahawk Postmaster Chris Thompson to talk about the effort. Local donations go to restock the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries, and Thompson says over years the Tomahawk community often out-collects larger cities. Last year, the local carriers collected more than 1,000 pounds of food items, along with some additional cash donations. Thompson says, "Carriers are very familiar with their community, they see it everyday, and we just want to make a difference." Participation is quite simple, place a bag with non-expired and non-perishable food in or on your mailbox in time for your regular Saturday delivery. From there, the carriers will do the rest of the work bringing the food back to the post office where they'll sort through the donations and deliver to the local food pantries.

Published on 05/08/2026 under News The Raise Your Voice Club in the Tomahawk School District hasn't been around for long, but they're already making a difference on campus and in the community. For those unfamiliar, Raise Your Voice is a student organization that focuses on mental health. This past weekend, the Tomahawk chapter teamed up with local partners to host their second annual color run. Dozens of students and community members completed the course set up on the Tomahawk school campus, which included color stations that rained down brightly colored powders on the participants. And while the color run was all about fun, they were also there to promote mental health with information, resources and family-friendly summer activities. Chapters of Raise Your Voice have been springing up at schools around the Northwoods. They often partner with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), local health departments and area health care providers.. In addition to local health departments, the group also works with partners like Aspirus Health and NAMI. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Published on 05/08/2026 under News A massive meadowlark and a jiggly junco are among feathered friends competing in a statewide contest to celebrate healthy birds and migration. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Save Our Songbirds are bringing back their Fat Bird Week for a third year. The Foundation notes 'a fat bird is a healthy bird' and the contest 'celebrates and spotlights the amazing journey our migratory birds make to get back to Wisconsin.' The group notes that some species of bird will actually double their weight ahead of migration. And for year-round Wisconsin birds, the extra heft can keep them warm in the chilly winter. While many people call birds "fat," they are often referring to is the fluffiness of the feathers. While the contest is all in good fun, it also serves as inspiration to create a more bird-friendly back yard by focusing on native plants to provide nutritious meals for birds. Eight fat bird photos were selected to face off in the bracket style tournament which will be decided by fan vote. The voting will take place over the next week, and we'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/08/2026 under News Yesterday we talked about avoiding vehicle deer collisions. Wildlife experts are also encouraging people avoid newborn fawns as well. As part of their ongoing Keep Wildlife Wild campaign, DNR officials are focusing specifically on fawns. If you encounter a fawn while outdoors, the DNR urges you not to touch it or intervene in any way as there's a good chance it's right where it's supposed to be, and its mother isn't far away. Jenna Fastner is a DNR captive wildlife health specialist. She says, "Young fawns are often left alone for most of the day to keep them safe." Fastner says their spotted coats and minimal scent are their best defenses. While fawns can walk from birth, it takes them a few weeks to become fast enough to keep up with their mothers and avoid predators. "By the Fourth of July, most fawns are on the move alongside or near their mothers." If you come across a fawn, it's best to leave it alone. While it may be tempting to bring others to see the fawn, the mother won't return while people are around. Don't feed a wild fawn. If you're truly concerned, contact a wildlife rehabilitiator for guidance.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News With new fawns and extended daylight, deer activity is picking up. That means drivers need to be on the lookout. While vehicle/deer crashes are typically highest in fall, those numbers also spike in the months of May and June. According to the Department of Transportation, drivers reported nearly 18,000 collisions with deer last year. That resulted in more than 700 injuries and 6 deaths. Recent averages in both Lincoln and Oneida County show more than 200 vehicle/deer collisions annually. Numbers are even higher in Southern Wisconsin; Waukesha County topped the state with more than 1,000 vehicle/deer collisions. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "Motorists should be alert and prepared to respond at all times." He notes, "Deer are unpredictable, often changing directions and freezing as they cross the road." The DoT provided a few additional reminders. • Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. • If you see one crossing, anticipate more may follow. • If the collision is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid swerving, which can lead to a more serious crash. • If you strike a deer, pull over to the side of the road and call law enforcement. • And as always, slowdown, eliminate distractions and wear your seatbelt.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News As Northwoods residents head outside for spring cleanup and garden preparations, health experts are reminding people to take steps to avoid common neck and back injuries. According to Aspirus Health, tasks like lifting branches, digging, and repetitive bending can put extra strain on the spine, especially after a less active winter season. Preparation and proper technique can help avoid a trip to the hospital. Dr. Sean MacKenzie says light stretching and simple posture adjustments can make a big difference. Keeping the spine aligned, lifting with the legs, and working from a seated or kneeling position when tasks require bending forward all help. It's also a good idea to listen to your body. MacKenzie notes that many injuries occur when people push through discomfort or rush through tasks. He emphasizes that pain during activity is a signal to pause, rest, or adjust technique. And long-term, Mackenzie says building core strength through simple exercises like planks and leg lifts can help reduce the risk of injury.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News While it was a bit chilly, it was at least sunny, allowing area students to show off their renewable energy skills. Wisconsin Public Service held their 30th annual Solar Olympics on the UW-Oshkosh campus. Nearly 150 students participated from thirteen high schools within the WPS footprint. Northern Wisconsin was represented by Three Lakes, Elcho, Marathon, and Wausau West High Schools. WPS created the Solar Olympics in 1997 for districts participating in the Solarwise for Schools program, which provides renewable energy lesson plans, projects, and teacher training. The friendly competition, hosted each spring, allows these students to showcase their knowledge of solar energy through team and individual competitions. This year's Solar Olympics had 13 events like solar water heater; solar art; and solar jeopardy. According to WPS, Valders High School won this year's competition, claiming gold for a second consecutive year.-Photos provided by Wisconsin Public Service

Published on 05/07/2026 under News Warmer weather will soon draw more people to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, visitors may notice survey crews stationed throughout the forest this spring and summer. The U.S. Forest Service says public surveys are now underway as part of the National Visitor Use Monitoring program. The surveys, conducted every five years, are designed to measure how many people use national forests, what activities they take part in, and how satisfied they are with their visits. Some visitors may also be asked questions about travel spending to help measure the economic impact forest recreation has on local communities. Surveyors, from the University of New Hampshire, will be wearing bright orange vests near signs reading "Traffic Survey Ahead." They'll be stationed at recreation sites and Forest Service roads. Officials say the surveys are voluntary, confidential, and typically take about 10 minutes to complete. They will continue through Sept. 30.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News Today is the National Day of Prayer and several Northwoods groups are among those hosting events today. The formal observance of a National Day of Prayer came from President Harry Truman in 1952. It's now held annually on the first Thursday in May. The goal is to allow participants, regardless of faith or denomination to bring unity to their community and share a common focus while praying for all. National organizers estimate some 30,000 observances around the country will be held. That includes right here in Tomahawk, where the Associated Clergy of Tomahawk will once again team up to hold a ceremony in Veteran's Memorial Park. It's scheduled to begin at 10:30am; attendees are encouraged to bring along a chair. Rhinelander is holding a similar event outside the Oneida County Courthouse getting underway at noon.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk kicked off their summer session by giving away more than $4,000 in prizes. Wednesday was opening night for WaWui Summer Bingo, marking a 38th season. Players filled SARA Park with their eyes on the progressive prize. And two lucky women shared an impressive payout. The final game of the evening features a jackpot that builds each week it's not claimed. Without a winner over the last two months of last season, the prize grew to $3,962 by blacking out the card in the set number. And the odds were in the favor of Phyllis Levake and Janis Beyer. Both players filled their card on the same number. And while they'll have to share the prize, the two still went home with $1,981 each. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo help fund operations and improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. They'll be back again next Wednesday. The progressive prize will reset.

Published on 05/07/2026 under News The Wisconsin DNR is monitoring a manure spill near Athens earlier this week. The DNR says it was notified on Tuesday that manure from a waste storage structure at Deercreek Holsteins had discharged into a tributary of Black Creek. Officials say the spill was caused by a failed valve on a waste transfer system. As of yesterday's update, they were working to determine the amount of manure released. DNR staff are working with Marathon County. According to the agency, containment measures have been put in place and the farm is actively working to clean up the discharge. The DNR says more information on prevention and response is available on the agency's manure spills webpage.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News A traditional youth fishing event in Tomahawk is set to return next month after a several year absence, and organizers have now received approval from the city. Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 is working to revive the Kids Fishing Contest. The event was previously organized by Tomahawk Fishing Unlimited, but went away as the group disbanded. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved the special event application to host the event at their old location in Memorial Park. It will take place on June 6, coinciding with the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend. This was by design to allow adults helping the youth anglers to do so without purchasing a license. Earlier this year, the VFW put out a call for fishing equipment donations to help support the return. The Kid's Fishing Contest was one of four special event applications approved by the Council. The others are annual events with minimal changes: the Rodd Timm Memorial Softball Tournament, the Lion's Club Thrilla on the Grilla, and Tomahawk Hometown Christmas. Each was approved unanimously and with minimal discussion. Council Recap: It was an other routine Council meeting, coming just two weeks after a delayed April meeting to account for the election. Relatedly, they approved two resolutions recognizing outgoing Mayor Steve Taskay and Alderman Dale Ernst. Neither sought re-election. The Council approved an ordinance increase court costs for the Municipal Court by $10. This was in accordance with a change to state statute. The Council approved a state/municipal financial agreement for design work on South Tomahawk Avenue from Somo Avenue to the Wisconsin River Bridge. It's on the state docket for 2032. They also approved a professional service agreement with MSA for the wastewater facilities plan.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News It's National Travel and Tourism Week, and Governor Evers was on the move in Northern Wisconsin Tuesday. The Governor was joined by Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers during yesterday's visits to Athens and Cable. He was there to highlight three consecutive years of both record breaking tourism and outdoor recreation. The visit to Athens included gravel-biking, a hybrid sport that takes from both road and mountain bikes. The Governor, Sayers and some guides from Ride Wisconsin Gravel took to the Athens Graventure Trail. Ongoing efforts of the Wisconsin Gravel Roads Project aims to establish North Central Wisconsin as a premier destination for gravel bike riding utilizing existing granite- gravel dairy roads. The stop in Cable was set to include a visit to the Cable Natural History Museum and a visit to Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area. Evers said, "Every year during Travel and Tourism Week, I'm jazzed to be able to travel across the state, showcasing all we have to offer, the success of Wisconsin's tourism industry, and all the hardworking folks who keep it humming. I encourage all Wisconsinites to join us in celebrating the amazing industry that bolsters our economies, creates jobs, and helps make our state the great place it is to live, work, and, of course, visit." The 2025 economic impact report for Wisconsin's tourism industry will be released in June.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News Due to popular demand, Wisconsin Public Service is extending the voting in a naming contest for the peregrine falcon chicks set to hatch at its Weston Power Plant. Thousands of voters have already cast their selections to name this year's chicks after news anchors from the area. According to the update, this contest has officially broken the record for total votes cast in any naming contest since the first one in 2019. People can now vote through Sunday. WPS also provided an update on the area peregrine nesting pair. Sheldon and an unbanded female falcon are caring for four eggs at the Weston Power Plant nest box. The eggs arrived in early April, so they should begin hatching at any time. Those interested can follow along on the WPS live nest box webcams to watch for emerging chicks.

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