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Local Fire Departments Share Safety Message During Fire Prevention Week Published on 10/09/2019 under News

This week local fire departments are joining with agencies across the country to remind people about fire safety.

Dating back to the 1920's, Fire Prevention Week has been observed the second week of October. The dates were selected for the anniversary of the massive Peshtigo and Chicago fires which left thousands dead on October 8, 1871.

We recently heard from the Tomahawk and Nokomis Fire Departments on some tips on home safety.

The theme of this year's event is "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!"

They are encouraging families to create an escape plan and go over it routinely. That includes making sure each room has multiple escapes routes, and ensuring those paths are clear. Families should also have a designated meeting place outside of the home to account for everyone during an emergency.

Along those same lines, the local fire departments suggest now is a good time to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors.

Yesterday, the Tomahawk School District welcomed local firefighters to speak with students about fire prevention while participating in some fun activities.

In Other News

Experts Offer Tips When You Get a Tick Bite

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Tick season is ramping up in Wisconsin. While reducing exposure is key, experts are reminding residents that what you do after a tick bite can make a difference. Because those enjoying the outdoors will likely encounter ticks at some point, the Marshfield Clinic provided specific steps to minimize risk when finding an embedded tick. It all starts with a thorough tick check after spending time in tick friendly areas. Pay special attention for deer ticks which are much smaller than the more common wood tick. Doctors say if you find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. They recommended grabbing the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting or squeezing. If possible, save the tick in a plastic bag and bring it to your healthcare provider. After removal, watch closely for symptoms of tick-borne illness, which can include fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. While a "bullseye" rash is a classic indicator, experts warn that Lyme disease does not always cause this well-known symptom. Dr. Thomas Boyce with Marshfield Clinic says early testing and treatment are highly effective, and in some cases, a single dose of antibiotics after a deer tick bite can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Data shows Lyme disease cases have been on the rise in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute released some preliminary findings from its ongoing TICS study showing nearly half of deer ticks tested carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. (They did note this does not mean a 50% chance at getting Lyme as other factors also affect transmission.) May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2027 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The entire Tomahawk Library budget request is just over $500,000 with the city responsible for $213,500. That's identical to last year. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. O'Hare also highlighted the generosity of community members through grants and donations, including some funds coming as a result of children's birthday contributions. The committee did forward the budget request to the full City Council with the caveat that there could be some changes come fall as they begin to tackle the city budget as a whole.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Three popular summer celebrations in Tomahawk are set to return in the coming weeks and months after organizers received special event application approval. At its regular May meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee took up special event applications for Tomahawk Music on the River, the Powwow Days Fourth of July celebration, and the Antique Outboard Motor Show. Music on the River, a seven-week, Wednesday evening concert series held in the Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, was approved without discussion. The first show is scheduled for June 17. Likewise, the Antique Outboard Motor Show at SARA Park was recommended without additional conversation for August 3–8. The committee did, however, spend a few extra minutes discussing the timing of the Powwow Days application. Because the event impacts State Highway 86/South Tomahawk Avenue, the city must apply for a waiver with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Committee members also briefly discussed bathroom availability during the event's Fun Run. All three events will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval next week. Additionally, the Health and Safety Committee approved a request from Tomahawk Main Street to utilize a city-owned lot at the four-way stop for extra vendor space during the Fall Ride festivities. While the committee noted it may consider using that lot for city purposes in future years, members granted the Tomahawk Main Street request for this September.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News If you're feeling stressed,the DNR says the answer might just be rooted in the trees around you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the DNR is highlighting growing research showing trees do more than provide shade, they can also boost your mood, lower stress, and even improve memory and focus. Researchers say living near trees can lower rates of depression, while walks through green spaces can sharpen attention spans and cognitive function. Even climbing trees got a mention for helping learning and reasoning skills. One recent study found that not only does spending time around trees help mental health, but actually planting trees can improve emotional well-being and reduce negative feelings. So this month and throughout the year, officials encourage Wisconsinites to branch out a little , whether it's planting a tree, taking a walk in the woods, or simply relaxing under a leafy canopy.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Park City Credit Union continues to grow their footprint here in Northern Wisconsin by setting up shop in Wausau. On Tuesday, Park City officially opened the doors to its new full-service branch on Stewart Avenue. The Wausau branch marks Park City Credit Union's sixth location in north central Wisconsin. Officials say the expansion is part of their mission to bring accessible banking and community involvement to more areas. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union says, "Our expansion into Wausau reinforces our promise to meet members where they are by providing accessible banking solutions." To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union is launching "30 Days of Share the Care," featuring random acts of kindness throughout the Wausau community, along with giveaways and special promotions for members.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports At the WIAA Division 2 Regional Track & Field Meet in Medford Tuesday, the Hatchets withstood a two-hour, 45-minute weather delay to have ten total events make the sectional meet. On the girls' side, Tomahawk will have five athletes compete. Taking the regional title in the 200 and 400 meter runs was Elise Gibeault with times of 26.19 and 57.28 seconds, respectively. For the second straight year, Alicia Voermans would advance to the sectional round in the Pole Vault. Voermans also qualified for sectionals in the 100 meter dash. Faith Derleth would advance in the 400 meter dash, placing third. Ellie Micke took home the regional title in the high jump with a leap of five feet even. Siennah Calkins was regional runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 33'10". Two Hatchet male athletes will compete in the sectional meet. Freshman Connor Zorn would take third in the Long Jump and the 100 meter dash. Beau Stromberg is moving on to the sectional meet in the 400 meter run, placing third with a run of 54.14 seconds. The WIAA Division 2 Track & Field Sectional Meet is Friday at Rice Lake. Opening Events begin at 4:00.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Two northern Wisconsin hospitals are being recognized among the best in the nation for patient satisfaction. Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics and Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff were both named to Becker's Hospital Review's list of hospitals patients would recommend to family and friends. The rankings are based on patient survey data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the national survey program. Aspirus Health officials say the recognition reflects the compassionate, high-quality care provided by staff and the organization's focus on patient experience. Aspirus North Division President Teri Theiler says, "Being named among the hospitals patients would recommend is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of those we serve." Wisconsin also stood out nationally, with 41 hospitals making the list, highlighting the state's strong performance in patient-centered care, especially in rural communities.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News A Lincoln County woman accused of sexually assaulting residents at an assisted living facility is facing new charges. Jessica Wickersham was back in Lincoln County Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. The 37 year old was arrested in March and charged with four counts including three for second degree sexual assault. Additional charges have now been filed. Court records show Wickersham is now facing 12 charges including: causing a child to view sexual activity, bestiality, and child sexual exploitation Online court records show Wickersham waived the preliminary hearing allowing the case to move forward. Wickersham then entered 'not guilty' pleas during the arraignment. Wickersham remains jailed on $150,000 bond. Future proceedings weren't immediately scheduled.

Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk softball's season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal Tuesday at Biggs Frey Memorial Field, losing to #3 Prescott, 9-5. The Hatchets went back and forth with the Cardinals for five innings before Prescott scored the final six runs to seal the victory. Averi Petta finished three for three with two triples, a home run, and three RBIs. Camryn Kraklow and Abi Micke each came away with RBI hits on the day. Kraklow, however, would allow nine runs on seven hits and walked eight batters in the game. Tomahawk wraps up their 2026 season with an 11-11 record and a 7-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate Sophie Olsen, Ella Peissig, Kylie Peissig, Siennah Caulkins, and Abi Micke.

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