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Cancellations & Closings Due to Covid-19 Published on 04/05/2020 under News

Covid-19 has caused cancellations in the Northwoods area. Stay up-to-date with our listings:

Tomahawk Schools and St. Mary's School are now closed until further notice.

The Tomahawk Public Library will be suspending all operations and cancelling all programs and events.

T.B. SCOTT Free Library in Merrill is closed until further notice.

The Rhinelander District Library will be closed until further notice.

The Demmer Library in Three Lakes will closed until further notice.

The WIAA announces all school spring sports activities are postponed until further notice.

Tomahawk City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice.

Merrill City Hall will be closed to public walk-ins.

Tomahawk Senior Center will be closed to non-essential public gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus among our most vulnerable population. This closure is until further notice.

The YMCA of the Northwoods will temporarily suspend all operations outside of licensed child care.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office lobby will not be open to the public and there will no longer be video visitation in the front lobby vestibule.

The Tomahawk Police Department is closing their lobby to walk-ins until further notice. They are also temporarily discontinuing drug take backs and syringe disposal.

The Merrill / Tomahawk Municipal Court Clerk's Office is closed to walk-in business until further notice.

The Town of Bradley town hall is closed to the public until further notice.

The Town of King Recycling Site is closed until further notice.

The Kinship House in Tomahawk is closed until further notice.

The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce will closed until further notice. They will be checking email and voicemail.

All public Masses are cancelled at St. Mary - Tomahawk, St. Augustine - Harrison and St. Francis - Pier Willow. Please refer to St. Mary's website to read the most recent letter from the Bishop.

Grace Lutheran Church has cancelled all services, soup meals and events until further notice. Their worship services can be streamed on Sunday at 9:00 am. The link is at www.gracelutherantomahawk.org

The Tomahawk and Spirit United Methodist Churches are cancelling services until further notice.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in downtown Tomahawk is cancelling all regular scheduled services, activities and events until further notice.

Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church has cancelled all services until further notice.

Northland Bible Church has cancelled all worship services until further notice. Visit the church's website for further information.

Northwoods Vineyard Church has cancelled all worship services until further notices. Services are available on their website.

All masses at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff are cancelled until further notice.

Eagle Summit Healing Rooms are temporarily closed and the Thursday evening prayer sessions will continue as soon as possible.

The Wednesday Night Cribbage at VFW Post is Tomahawk is cancelled until Fall.

St. Mary's Thrift Cellar of Tomahawk is now closed until further notice. No donations will be accepted.

The Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop will not be accepting donations and will be closed until further notice.

The Merrill-Go-Round has suspended transit services until further notice.

All dance classes at the Terry Bucaro Dance Studio are cancelled until further notice.

All StrongBodies Classes in Tomahawk and Merrill are cancelled until further notice.

The Monday evening Yoga Class held at the Corpus Christi Center in Tomahawk are cancelled until further notice.

The Open Arms Community Soup Kitchen at the Corpus Christi Center on Tuesdays is cancelled until further notice.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites Service Suspended Until Further Notice in Marathon, Lincoln, Portage, Wood, Taylor and Langlade counties.

Effective immediately, the Oneida County Veterans Service Office is suspending service on the Oneida County DAV van that takes veterans to medical appointments at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI until further notice.

All events that were scheduled in April at the Rock Garden Tavern and FoFS Studio at the Wisconsin Concrete Park have been cancelled.

The City of Merrill Park and Recreation Department has cancelled their Easter Egg Hunt that was scheduled for April 11.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Nokomis Fire Department has been cancelled.

St. Paul Lutheran Church has cancelled the free Community Easter Dinner that was scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at Rodeway Inn & Suites in Tomahawk.

The Tomahawk Cornhole League Meeting that was scheduled for April 16 at Lisa's Pub & Grub has been postponed.

The Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers Spring Event, "Magical Night of Comedy for a Cause" that was scheduled for April 18 has been cancelled.

The Tomahawk Food Pantry Meeting scheduled for April 27 has been cancelled.

The Knight Owls snowmobile club fundraiser originally scheduled for May 2 at Inshalla Country Club has been rescheduled to November 7.

The Journeys Half Marathon in Eagle River on May 9 has been cancelled.

The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce has postponed the Taste of Tomahawk to Saturday, May 16.

The Red, White and Blue Day program that was scheduled for May 21 at the Tomahawk School District Fieldhouse has been cancelled.

In Other News

Music on the River Kicks Off 19th Season with BD Greer and the Gents

Published on 06/24/2026 under News After a rainout for last week's season opener, Tomahawk's Music on the River is set to return for its summer season this evening, as long as Mother Nature cooperates. Tomahawk Music on the River is entering its 19th season with seven weeks of Wednesday concerts at the Memorial Park Pavilion. The scenic setting on the shores of the Wisconsin River allows concertgoers to enjoy the show not only on land, but also from the water. It's not unusual to see groups of people watching by boat near the shore. Kicking off the shows this year will be a newcomer to Music on the River. BD Greer and the Gents will be entertaining the crowd this evening. The band is based out of Milwaukee. Greer is renowned for her versatile voice, described as reminiscent of classic legends like Aretha Franklin and Peggy Lee. She delivers captivating performances that seamlessly blend soul and jazz, while her high-energy stage presence easily engages crowds. With some rain in the forecast this afternoon, a venue change to SARA Park is possible. Organizers hope to make a decision by 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Stay tuned to WJJQ for any announcements. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Property owners can play a critical role in protecting the world's declining pollinator population. This week marks National and State Pollinator Week, and a number of local agencies are educating the public on the vital role that pollinators play while encouraging people to create their own pollinator habitats. All week long, groups will be hosting pollinator events, seminars, and workshops. While much of the focus is typically on bees and butterflies, other key pollinators include moths, native fly species, beetles, hummingbirds, and even bats. These pollinators are crucial not only to our food chain but to our entire ecosystem. Pollinated plants also help feed local wildlife, clean the air, and stabilize the soil. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to expand pollinator gardens and habitats across the Northwoods. These natural spaces are filled with native plants that attract pollinators by providing both food and shelter. They are simple projects that can easily be created in backyards and home gardens by leaving small, natural areas undisturbed. We'll have more details on how to create your own pollinator space this week.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Another generation of peregrine falcons has taken to the skies of North Central Wisconsin. No longer balls of fluff, Wisconsin Public Service announced that all four chicks at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau have successfully taken their first flights. This year's cast of falcons were named after local television and radio personalities: Kyle Prey-zorski, Matt Tweet, Featherson Lehmann, and Jade Eggshell. The young peregrines will spend the next month sharpening their flying and hunting skills before heading off on their own. Each bird is carrying a solar-powered tracking tag, allowing researchers to follow their travels after they leave the nest. This is the first time WPS has used the technology, and only the second time it has been used with peregrine falcons in the United States. The successful fledging season continues a conservation success story that has helped peregrine falcons recover from near-extinction in Wisconsin. Since the early 1990s, WPS and We Energies have banded and named 476 peregrine falcons at their facilities across the state.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input as it develops a new master plan for the Langlade County portion of the Wolf River State Trail. The planning effort follows the end of a cooperative management agreement between the DNR and Langlade County earlier this year. The state agency has now assumed planning authority for the trail and will update a management plan that was originally created in 2006. The 44-mile Wolf River State Trail follows a former railroad corridor through Langlade and Forest counties. In Langlade County, trail users currently enjoy activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV and UTV riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Residents are invited to learn more and share their ideas at a public meeting July 15 at the Antigo Public Library. An open house begins at 5:30 p.m., with a DNR presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. Public comments and survey responses will also be accepted through July 31 as the DNR works to guide future management and recreational use of the trail.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Governor Evers made a stop in the Northwoods Tuesday, shovel in hand. The Governor is once again on his annual Pothole Patrol tour, a campaign designed to highlight state funding for roads. Yesterday, he made his way to Antigo. Joined by city officials and the local street crew, he helped fill several potholes along South Dorr Street. While the actual filling of the potholes is symbolic, the Governor is also using the tour to discuss efforts to boost local infrastructure funding. Since Evers took office, the state has improved more than 9,600 miles of roads. Officials note that this is enough distance to drive from Wausau to Disney World in Florida and back three times, with miles to spare. They said these investments ensure that the state's infrastructure can meet the needs of a 21st-century workforce and economy, which remains a top priority for the administration. The Pothole Patrol Tour has been an annual tradition for Governor Evers since he took office, dating back to 2019. Yesterday's visit to Antigo was one of two stops on the day, along with a visit to Montello.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News A Spring Valley man was arrested following a brief vehicle pursuit in Lincoln County on Sunday. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy initially attempted a traffic stop for speeding on Taylor Street in the City of Merrill. The deputy reported that the driver initially sped off, resulting in a brief chase before eventually pulling over and stopping. The driver was taken into custody for fleeing or eluding an officer in a vehicle. He was transported to the Lincoln County Jail. Also on Sunday, a driver was injured and arrested following a crash in the Town of Corning. According to the Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to South Branch Road and Natzke Road for a single-vehicle crash. The driver told deputies she swerved to miss a deer, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately wound up in the ditch. The deputy noted signs of impairment when speaking with the driver and requested field sobriety tests. As a result of those tests, she was placed under arrest for a first-offense OWI. She sustained minor injuries in the crash. The number of vehicle-versus-deer collisions remains elevated, with 13 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Health officials are reminding Northwoods residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae blooms as warmer summer weather returns to area lakes and waterways. The Lincoln County Health Department says blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in many Wisconsin waters but can rapidly multiply under the right conditions. Warm temperatures, sunlight, calm water, and nutrient runoff can all contribute to blooms, which are most common from mid-June through mid-September. Environmental Health Specialist Mike Mandli says people should stay out of any water that resembles split-pea soup or spilled paint. Despite its name, blue-green algae can also appear white, red, or brown. Exposure or ingestion can lead to illness, including skin irritation, rashes, headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off immediately if you have been in affected waters. Eating fish caught in areas where a bloom is present should also be avoided. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored for algal blooms, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout. The Health Department campaign uses the slogan, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Lightning can strike in the blink of an eye, prompting safety officials to remind everyone: "When thunder roars, head indoors!" Tuesday marks Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining ReadyWisconsin to ensure residents and visitors alike understand the risks of lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Tragically, Wisconsin experienced a fatal lightning strike this past April in Waukesha. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle emphasized that lightning is both unpredictable and dangerous. However, he noted, "The good news is lightning-related injuries and deaths are preventable when people know the risks and how to take action during storms." Officials recommend remembering the 30-30 rule: If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately, and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Additionally, lightning can strike even under seemingly sunny conditions, a phenomenon known as a "bolt from the blue." Lightning strikes frequently occur during common outdoor activities such as fishing, visiting the beach, camping, and farming. If you cannot get inside a sturdy building when a storm begins, officials recommend seeking shelter inside a hard-topped vehicle. ReadyWisconsin warns that hiding under a tree is incredibly dangerous, and open structures like gazebos, baseball dugouts, tents, or picnic canopies do not offer adequate protection. If someone is struck by lightning, they need immediate medical care. Call 911 and perform CPR right away if necessary. Do not be afraid to touch a lightning victim; the human body does not hold an electrical charge, and delaying help can be fatal.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News In addition to a full agenda, last week's Lincoln County Board meeting included an early discussion on priorities supervisors may pursue over the next two years. During an agenda item titled "County Board Strategic Goals," supervisors shared ideas for issues they would like to address during the current term. The 22-member board is elected every two years. Among the topics raised was the growing issue of data centers, which has become a subject of discussion in communities across Wisconsin as developers look for potential sites. Supervisors also identified several long-standing priorities, including expanding broadband access, increasing housing opportunities, and improving roads and infrastructure throughout the county. Board members further suggested continuing efforts to promote Lincoln County as a destination for tourism and recreation. County leaders noted that similar initiatives in recent years have contributed to increased visitor spending and tourism activity. Board Chairman Don Friske pointed out that the county board's two-year election cycle provides just 24 regularly scheduled meetings to accomplish its goals, with 21 meetings remaining in the current term. The discussion remained at a broad, brainstorming level, with few specifics on how the priorities would be pursued. Supervisors did not discuss whether the topics would be assigned to existing committees or handled through the creation of special ad hoc committees.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Northwoods residents are being asked to share their experiences with health care access as part of a new survey being conducted by the NAMI Northwoods. The organization, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is gathering feedback from residents in Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Taylor, and Price counties about their experiences accessing physical health care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Survey organizers say they want to learn more about what is working well and where improvements may be needed. Topics include appointment availability, travel distances for care, telehealth services, and experiences with local providers. NAMI Northwoods is encouraging residents to participate regardless of whether their experiences have been positive, negative, or somewhere in between. The information collected will help the organization better understand health care access challenges and opportunities across the region. The survey is available online through the NAMI Northwoods Facebook Page or we'll include a link at NAMI Northwoods Health Care Access Survey.

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