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2021 Bear Permit Applications Delayed with Changes to Harvest Zone Boundries Published on 02/13/2020 under News

The state's application period to obtain bear hunting permit will be delayed as officials consider new zone boundaries.

The DNR says the application period which normally opens in March will instead open once a legislative review is complete. The state currently has 4 management zones. The proposal would add two additional zones starting next year bringing the total to six.

The three northern zones (A,B, and D) will remain unchanged. Zone C would be divided into three zones. The region currently spans the southern 2/3rds of the state from Highway 64 south.

The largest zone, roughly from Highway 64 south, would be divided into three zones.

DNR Assistant big game ecologist Matt Gross says, "The bear range has steadily expanded further south into the central forest and beyond." He says, "The new zones will allow management decisions to address both the opportunities and challenges that can arise with an expanding bear population."

Despite the delay in the start of the application process, the deadline will remain Dec. 10. You can sign up with a notification through the DNR for when the period will open.

For the 2020 season, the DNR says that 119,000 hunters applied for a permit or preference point with just 11,500 permits available.

In Other News

Three THS Students Qualify for National FCCLA Conference this Summer

Published on 04/14/2026 under News Tomahawk will once again be represented at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America or FCCLA National Leadership Conference this summer. More than 700 Wisconsin high school students participated at the Wisconsin FCCLA state conference this past week at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells this past week. In addition to educational sessions and networking opportunities, students also present their annual projects. According to the Tomahawk School District, three students were awarded gold medal scores and also an invite to the National Conference: Emma Hoff (Promote and Publicize FCCLA); Aubrianna Seubert (Career Investigation); and Siennah Calkins (Nutrition and Wellness). Calkins and Hoff are three time qualifiers. While not a national qualifier, Zoey Finn earned a silver medal and was selected to receive a grant supporting her 'Inside Out' of Separation Project. Two other THS students return with silver medals Abbigail Doleshal and Camryn Kraklow. As for the National Conference, it will be held in Washington this summer. According to the organization, more than 7,000 students attended last year's conference.-Photo provided by Tomahawk School District: (left to right) Zoey Finn, Abbigail Doleshal, Siennah Calkins, Emma Hoff, Aubrianna Seubert, and Camryn Kraklow

Published on 04/14/2026 under News Officials are investigating a potential tornado touching down in Taylor County Monday evening. Severe weather crossed central Wisconsin bringing thunderstorms, heavy rains, hail, and strong winds. That included a report of a tornado near Gilman in northwestern Taylor County. Initial reports from emergency responders and 911 callers indicated a tornado on the ground in the area of Elder Drive, north of Highway 64. This was confirmed with visual evidence include photos and video. An initial survey indicated downed trees and damage to a cattle barn. Local officials will work with the National Weather Service to assess the storm damage and verify the tornado including wind speeds, size, and time on the ground. In addition to the potential tornado, areas reported hail of more than an inch in diameter. Now the focus will turn to flooding, with elevated river warnings around the region with the recent precipitation.

Published on 04/14/2026 under News During severe weather, meteorologists provide critical information, but it's important to know some of the descriptions they're using. As part of Wisconsin's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, we're covering a variety of topics including some vocabulary, specifically watches and warnings. While they may seem interchangeable, there is a difference. According to the National Weather Service, a watch generally comes first. It means that conditions are right for that particular alert. Watches are issued by storm prediction centers and generally cover large areas. When a watch is issued, you should prepare for the possibility of severe weather. When a warning has been issued, the National Weather Service says that particular weather event has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Warnings are issued by local forecast office using information from radar and trained storm spotters. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area. Thursday's mock tornado drills will incorporate both watches and warnings.

Published on 04/14/2026 under News The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles through Wisconsin, crossing 30 counties. There are a couple of opportunities this week to learn more about the trail and how to get involved. Taylor County alone is home to more than 85 miles of the trail, more than any other county in the state. Yet many people don't realize it's there. That's something the Ice Age Trail Alliance is hoping to change. They're holding an outreach event in Medford this evening. Outreach and Education Manager Amy Lord says the goal is simple: raise awareness and build local involvement. Lord says, "When people discover the Trail, they fall in love with it—and that often leads to getting involved." Community members will have a chance to meet local volunteers, learn about nearby hiking opportunities, and explore ways to get involved in maintaining and promoting the trail. They'll be set up at the VFW Post in Medford from 6-8 with a presentation on the trail's history and significance is set for 7 p.m. Annual Meeting in Merrill ThursdayThe trail also crosses Lincoln County, and there will be an opportunity later this week. The Northwoods Chapter will be holding their annual meeting at the service center in Merrill on Thursday at 6pm, which will include a presentation on native animals. The public is invited to attend these events to learn more about the Alliance and the Trail.

Published on 04/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad continued to roll in Great Northern Conference play at their home opener Monday evening, outlasting Lakeland, 12-9, at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field. The Hatchets finished with 11 hits on the game. Wally Horabik went three for four with two doubles and four RBI. Nick Arndt, Brody Hilgendorf, and Colton Seslar each came away with two hits. Tomahawk's pitchers also combined to strike out 12 Lakeland hitters. Logan Norman picked up his second win on the mound while Cash Olsen hammered down the save. The Hatchets are now 2-1 and 2-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets head back on the road tonight for a non-conference showdown with Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First pitch is at 4:30.

Published on 04/14/2026 under News Winter Park in Boulder Junction has become a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Community leaders there have launched a new visitor survey, aimed at better understanding how the popular park is being used and how it supports the local economy. The survey is part of an economic benefit study, gathering feedback from visitors about their experiences at Winter Park, including how often they visit and how their trips impact area businesses. Organizers say that input will help guide future improvements and ensure continued investment in the park. The Glide, a mile-long ice skating trail winding through the woods has won multiple awards, but the park offers other attractions throughout the seasons. It features a community ice rink, sledding hill, basketball court, playground and the latest addition, the Tall Pines Disc Golf Course opened for play last year. A link to the survey is available on their website BoulderatPlay.com, or you can find a link on their Facebook page.

Published on 04/14/2026 under News Two inmates at the Lincoln County jail could face additional charges after an altercation while in custody. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were called to the jail last Tuesday for a fight between the two inmates. One of the men involved was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the first. According to the report, both inmates will have charges of battery by prisoner filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office. It was a relatively quiet report this week.... The number of vehicle vs. deer crashes remains steady with another six reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways. There was also a vehicle vs. turkey collision that caused reported damage.

Published on 04/13/2026 under News As we well know, Wisconsin's weather can be unpredictable and this week is dedicated to some of the extreme weather emergencies we see in the Badger state. Wisconsin is observing Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness week. Over the next few days, we'll share what you need to know about Wisconsin's weather concerns and how to make sure you and your family are safe. Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator says, "This week is an opportunity for families, schools and workplaces to take steps to be prepared for and know what to do when severe weather strikes." This includes creating and sharing an emergency plan, as well as ensure your home is prepared for severe weather. We've already seen some extreme weather in April with an ice storm and some wildfires. This week's forecast has the potential for thunderstorms, flooding, and hail. And then there are tornadoes...last year there were 39 touch downs recorded, 40 the year prior. We'll have a bit more on severe weather throughout the week. It all leads up to the annual statewide tornado drill scheduled for Thursday.

Published on 04/13/2026 under News Lincoln County will soon have a new top law enforcement officer. Sheriff Ken Schneider announced he will retire at the end of the year and thus, will not seek re-election this fall. Schneider was first elected Sheriff in 2018. He has served two four-year terms and is winding down a more a career with more than three decades of law enforcement in Lincoln County. In a statement, Schneider thanked the community for its support during his time in office, saying the kind words, notes of gratitude, and even simple waves and honks from residents will be missed. He also expressed pride in his department and encouraged continued support for the next sheriff and the staff who help keep Lincoln County safe. Schneider's term is set to end in January, with voters choosing his successor in the November election. At this time, no candidates have announced plans to run. His retirement marks the second sheriff's departure in the Northwoods in recent weeks, following a similar announcement from Langlade County Sheriff Mark Westen last week.

Published on 04/13/2026 under News We've got another election result to pass along with a Tomahawk School Board winner in a race decided by write-in. For the Tomahawk School Board, there were just two candidates running for the three seats this cycle. That left a seat representing the City of Tomahawk for write-in. In the end it was Tricia Hoffman who received the most votes. The process to determine a write-in race takes a little more work. Elections officials have to hand-count all of the ballots, and also reach out to the winning candidate to ensure they will accept the position. Indirectly, Hoffman will fill the seat of Kay Kissenger-Wolf. The school district is in a three year process of reapportionment. Kissenger-Wolf's seat representing surrounding townships was shifted to the city this cycle. The two incumbents on the ballot also won, Ron Zimmerman and Dave Long. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry offered a congratulations to the winning candidates, while expressing appreciation for their commitment to serving our students, staff, and community. He also thanked the community for the continued support of the district.

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