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Officials Urge Motorcycle Safety with Fall Ride Approaching Published on 09/10/2019 under News

With tens of thousands of motorcycles converging in the greater Tomahawk area this weekend, law enforcement and the Department of Transportation are partnering to ensure that everyone shares the roadway safely.

Ken Wickham, the DoT North Central Region Director says, "With the increase in motorcycles in the area, drivers behind the wheel should take an extra moment to look twice for motorcycles, especially before pulling out from intersections."

As we've previously covered, because of the motorcycles smaller profile it's easy to misjudge the bike's speed and distance as it approaches an intersection. In addition to several minor accidents during last year's Fall Ride event, there were two major accidents in the Tomahawk area involving two vehicles, 5 motorcycles, and 8 riders.

In addition to road safety, the influx of people leads to added challenges for Tomahawk's small police force. Later this week, we'll take a look at how Police Chief Al Elvins leans on neighboring agencies for added manpower.

In Other News

Tomahawk City Council Considers Tourism Commission

Published on 10/07/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has taken another step toward revamping how it spends a key category of visitor dollars. The city currently collects a 4% room tax, which is administered through a partnership with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. At its meeting last night, the Common Council introduced a pair of ordinances aimed at establishing a seven-member Tourism Commission to provide added oversight for those funds, while an amendment increased the room tax rate to 5%. State law dictates how room tax revenue can be spent, requiring the vast majority to be earmarked for tourism promotion and development that drives overnight visitors to the area. Both ordinances were recommended by the City's Finance Committee following a special meeting last month and approved by the Council with minimal discussion Tuesday. Implementation of the new Tourism Commission was delayed until January, as several neighboring townships are also exploring room tax proposals.That could ultimately lead to a cooperative committee or commission among participating municipalities.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News Candidates competing for Wisconsin's open 7th Congressional District seat are facing off tonight in their first and only scheduled debate. Republican Michael Alfonso and Democrat Fred Clark will meet tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. to pitch their vision to replace outgoing Congressman Tom Tiffany, and represent the Northwoods in Washington. In an unsual twist, tonight's debate won't actually take place on Wisconsin soil. Broadcast partner WDIO is hosting the event live from its television studios just across the state line in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to airing on WDIO, the forum will be streamed on their website as well as Wisconsin Eye. The Debate comes as absentee voting is already underway in Wisconsin.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News As Wisconsin prepares for the upcoming election, Northwoods residents are invited to get an inside look at how local elections are run. The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is hosting a free, nonpartisan community conversation giving voters a chance to hear directly from municipal clerks in Vilas County who oversee their local elections. The panel features clerks from Arbor Vitae, Lac du Flambeau, and Winchester. They will address common voter misconceptions, explain what happens to a ballot after it's cast, and share practical steps residents can take before Election Day to ensure a smooth voting process. Organizers say the goal is to give both first-time and long-time voters factual, reliable information so they can participate with confidence. It'll take place at 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Arbor Vitae Town Hall You can learn more about local civic resources and voter education initiatives by visiting the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods online, or check with your municipal clerk's office for general election guidance.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has reached a major milestone in heart care. The hospital's cardiovascular team recently completed its 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure. The minimally invasive treatment helps reduce stroke risk for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or afib, a common heart rhythm disorder, offering a safe alternative to long-term blood thinners. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Colleen Lane praised the dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and support staff, noting that the milestone reflects years of growth and the trust placed in Aspirus by patients across central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

Published on 10/06/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Volleyball Ends Regular Season GNC Play Winless In the final Great Northern Conference match of the season, Tomahawk's volleyball squad came up short, getting swept by Northland Pines at the Hatchet House Tuesday, 25-19, 26-24, 25-13. The loss by Tomahawk has them finish winless in Great Northern Conference regular season play. Lexi Palmer would finish with 22 assists. Lauren Reibe tied a career-high with 16 kills. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-25 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for their final regular-season match of the season Thursday against Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First serve is at 7:00. Gibeault Places in Top 5, Hatchet Girls and Boys XC Place in Top 8 The Hatchet cross country squads would each finish in the top eight of the Northland Pines Invitational in Eagle River Tuesday afternoon. The Hatchet girls placed third overall in the meet, placing behind only Three Lakes/Phelps and Rhinelander. Three Hatchet girls placed in the top ten, led by a fourth-place finish from Elise Gibeault. Ellie Micke placed 13th and Abbie Rosenmeier would finish 19th. As for the Hatchet boys, they would place eighth overall. Three Hatchets placed in the top 40. The highest finisher was Dawson Jones, placing 28th. Luke Morrison and Ryan Montag would place 32nd and 33rd respectively. The final meet of the regular season for Tomahawk is their home meet, which will be at the old Hatchet Baseball Field Saturday. Live updates from the meet will be provided on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show will begin at 9:40 and opening events begin at 10:00 with Alex Koch in the broadcast booth. Girls Team Results: Rhinelander - 1st Three Lakes/Phelps - 2nd Tomahawk - 3rd Merrill - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Antigo - 6th Medford - 7th Boys: Rhinelander - 1st Laona-Wabeno - 2nd Florence/Niagara - 3rd Medford - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Crandon - 6th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo - 9th Merrill - 10th

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A bicyclist is crisscrossing Wisconsin this month to raise awareness for a popular conservation program whose funding ended this year, while highlighting the state's growing trail network. Sarah Widder is currently making her way through the Northwoods as part of her "Great State Trails Adventure." Her ambitious goal over the next three weeks is to pedal approximately 2,500 miles across 44 state bike trails, 6 non-state trails, and their connecting corridors. Widder is drawing attention to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which lapsed this past June after funding local parks and trails for nearly four decades. Widder notes, "Land stewardship is such an important part of what makes Wisconsin such a great place to live, work, and play, creating outdoor opportunities whether for biking, off-road trail riding, fishing, hunting or conservation. Widder is blogging daily during her ride, discussing the importance of the program while showcasing the trails and communities along her route. Yesterday's 128-mile ride passed through Park Falls and Minocqua. This morning, she is heading south on the Bearskin and Hiawatha Trails through Tomahawk to Prentice and then Medford. Widder's ride concludes October 22 with a public celebration at Lucette Brewing Company in Menomonie. Those interested can follow along online at knowlesnelson.org

Published on 10/06/2026 under News There's a popular phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County, local organizations are teaming up to ensure new parents have that village behind them when bringing a baby home. The Lincoln County Health Department and its community partners are hosting the annual fall Community Baby Shower this Tuesday afternoon. Now in its fourth year, the event alternates between Tomahawk and Merrill each spring and fall. Organizers describe the shower as a "one-stop shop" connecting expecting parents and families with young children to essential local resources. Attendees can meet with local agencies to get guidance on safe sleep, child development, nutrition, mental health, and early literacy, alongside hands-on demonstrations like CPR training and car seat safety checks. The Community Baby Shower is free and open to expecting parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to 18 months old. It runs drop-in event, though some supplies may be limited. It's from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday at the Merrill Enrichment Center, with no registration required.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News An investigation is underway into the death of a man following a reported shooting over the weekend in Price County. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, responders were initially called to a residence near County N and Big Falls Road in the Town of Kennan at just before 11pm, Sunday. The caller reported a man had shot and injured another individual at the residence, then left the scene. A short time later, a second 911 call reported that same man was causing a disturbance at a second location. The Sheriff's Office says when officers arrived, the suspect was found dead. The man's name was not immediately released. No update was provided on the condition of the first victim. Authorities say there is no further threat to the community. Because the investigation is active, no other information is being released at this time.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A roadside tire change escalated into a physical altercation and arrest in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, last Tuesday, deputies responded to Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls, after 68-year-old Kurt Hungerford of Seymour reportedly got into a argument with his adult son while changing a flat tire. Authorities say Hungerford physically pushed his son out of the car and drove off with his grandchild still inside. A short time later, Merrill Police located Hungerford at a gas station. When officers attempted to arrest him, Hungerford allegedly refused to cooperate with officers and physically resisted arrest. He was eventually taken into custody, checked at a local hospital, and brought to the Lincoln County Jail on a variety of charges including second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, and resisting. _____ An Eau Claire man was arrested following a weekend OWI and altercation with Lincoln County deputies. According to the Sheriff's Report, deputies were initially called to Highway 51 north of Merrill on Friday for a reckless driver. Before their arrival, the driver left the roadway and entered the ditch, where witnesses held him at the scene. Deputies identified the driver as Kurtiss Gilbert, who showed clear signs of impairment and refused field sobriety tests. During the interaction, Gilbert lunged at a deputy who used physical force to take him into custody. Gilbert was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges of First-Offense OWI and Battery to law enforcement._____ The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains elevated with 9 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A man facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, 43-year-old Wilbur Copeland III, appeared in Lincoln County Court on Monday. He pleaded no contest to three counts of child neglect and one count of THC possession. In exchange, eight other charges were dismissed, and a single count of witness intimidation received deferred prosecution. Copeland was arrested last December following a welfare check on an RV in the Town of Bradley, where he was living with his partner, Megan Cis, and eight children. During the investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and signs of physical abuse. They also found drugs in the vehicle that were potentially accessible to the children. Following the plea deal, the court moved directly to sentencing. Copeland will avoid jail time and instead serve two years of probation. Cis reached a similar plea deal and sentence last week.

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