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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

Fatal, Officer-Involved Shooting in Oneida County Under Investigation

Published on 06/18/2026 under News An investigation is underway into a fatal, officer-involved shooting in Oneida County Wednesday morning. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the probe. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at a property on Lumen Lake Drive, off Fawn Lake Road in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to a DOJ news release, two Oneida County deputies were dispatched to the residence to arrest a subject in connection with an undisclosed felony investigation. Upon making contact with law enforcement, they said the individual discharged a firearm. A deputy returned fire, striking the individual, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual's name has not yet been released. No one else was injured during the incident. According to the news release, the involved law enforcement officers are fully cooperating with DCI. Per agency policy, both deputies will be placed on administrative assignment.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News What started as a desire to connect families affected by Down syndrome continues to grow across the Northwoods. The people behind Hope Beyond 21, a Tomahawk-based nonprofit, are preparing for their "Digging for a Difference" volleyball tournament this weekend. The fundraiser will help the organization continue its mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout northern Wisconsin. Co-founder Hannah Wallis stopped by the WJJQ studios earlier this week to talk about the organization and this weekend's fundraiser. Wallis has a deep personal connection to the cause; a close friend of hers has a child with Down syndrome. The goal of Hope Beyond 21 is to build connections, celebrate milestones, and provide support for these families. While based in Tomahawk, the organization has drawn support from across the entire Northwoods region. For this weekend's volleyball tournament, they are teaming up with The Loop Hole to host the event on Saturday, with two other Nokomis locations, Holly's and Billy Bob's, offering additional courts. When we spoke with Wallis, more than a dozen teams had already registered. Space is still available, whether you already have a team or are looking to join one. For those who want to support the cause but stay out of the sand, the event will also feature food, entertainment, raffles, and merchandise sales. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the first matches starting at 11 a.m. and other activities running throughout the day. Wallis says the organization's goal is simple: ensuring individuals with Down syndrome and their families know they have a supportive community standing right behind them.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News As summer officially begins this weekend, one of Wisconsin's most important Northwoods research projects is celebrating a milestone of its own. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is marking the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, a world-renowned fisheries research site located on five lakes in Vilas County. (Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce and Mystery Lakes) Established in 1946, the research area was originally created to study how fishing affects fish populations. Since then, every angler fishing the lakes has participated in a mandatory creel survey, creating one of the longest and most detailed fisheries datasets in the world. Today, researchers are tackling a wide range of issues facing Wisconsin waters, including the impacts of forward-facing sonar technology, climate change, fluctuating water levels, shoreline habitat projects and declining walleye populations. The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area has also become a training ground for future fisheries professionals and a hub for collaborative research involving state, tribal and national partners. DNR officials say the work conducted there continues to shape fisheries management decisions across Wisconsin and beyond. For anglers that would like to fish the lakes and contribute to the research; there is a check-in station located at the Escanaba Lake boat launch. Depending on the lake you fish, species may have tags and different ongoing study needs. That information is available on the DNR website.-Photo provided by Wisconsin DNR-

Published on 06/18/2026 under News Two people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Lincoln County over the weekend after swerving to avoid a deer. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to Tannery Road near Green Box Road in the Town of Bradley on Sunday. The driver told deputies that a deer ran out in front of the vehicle, causing him to lose control and leave the roadway. Both the driver and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Both occupants were initially transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and later airlifted to another facility for further treatment of undisclosed injuries. No updates on their conditions have been provided. Vehicle-deer collisions are typically elevated in June. The Sheriff's Report noted that there were nine vehicle-versus-deer collisions reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week alone.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News For many men, a trip to the doctor is pushed to the bottom of the to-do list—often until a problem arises that can no longer be ignored. That is why June's Men's Health Month serves as an important reminder that staying healthy starts with regular preventive care and building a relationship with a trusted primary care provider. Aspirus family medicine provider, Dr. Alexander Trecartin says, "In our busy lives, men who feel healthy might not realize how much time has gone by since their last medical care." He continued, "As a result, it's easy to fall behind on needed screenings, conversations, and the direction required to maintain that state of good health long term." According to Aspirus, annual exams can help detect conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol before symptoms appear. Regular screenings for heart disease and certain cancers, along with discussions about nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress, also play a key role in long-term health. Dr. Trecartin added that mental health is another area many men overlook. With Father's Day this weekend, it is the perfect opportunity to remind the dads and men in your life to schedule a wellness visit and take proactive steps toward protecting their long-term health.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News Lincoln County is seeking to continue a program that helps keep at-risk youth in their communities and out of costly residential placements. At Tuesday's meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution allowing the Department of Social Services to renew its Youth Justice Innovation Grant application and accept up to $75,000 in funding for 2027 if awarded by the state. The grant currently funds intensive supervision services for moderate- and high-risk youth. County officials say the program has shown positive results, noting that as of late May, no new youth offenders had been placed in high-cost out-of-home settings while receiving services through the program. The funding would cover roughly 71 percent of the cost of a case management position or contracted services that provide frequent supervision, behavioral interventions and skill-building opportunities for youth involved in the justice system. County leaders say helping young people remain safely in their homes and communities benefits youth, families and taxpayers while helping control rising placement costs. The resolution was approved ahead of a June 24 state application deadline.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Lincoln County is throwing its support behind a new initiative to safeguard agricultural land and strengthen the local farming economy. At Tuesday's meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of the proposed "Copper River Agricultural Enterprise Area" in the Towns of Corning and Harding. These specialized agricultural zones are designated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as part of the Agriculture Enterprise Area program. They help protect farmland by allowing eligible landowners to participate in the state's Farmland Preservation Program, which offers tax credits in exchange for keeping acreage dedicated to agricultural use. Supervisor Julie DePasse, whose district includes the proposed zone, described the program as a valuable tool for supporting local farmers. She noted that these state tax credits are available to participating landowners without impacting the local tax levy. County officials say agriculture remains an important part of the Lincoln County economy, contributing an estimated $132 million annually. However, the resolution notes that the county has seen a steady decline in the number of farms over the past decade. Officials hope that protecting this land will help sustain existing farming jobs while attracting new agricultural businesses to the area. The measure passed on a unanimous voice vote with little discussion. The final decision on the Agricultural Enterprise Area designation will be made by the state.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News A major fundraising milestone is paving the way for a permanent, year-round Boys & Girls Club in Merrill. The Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area announced it has secured the $3 million needed to renovate the former Merrill National Guard Armory building into a full-service youth facility. For the past four years, the club has operated out of Prairie River Middle School, but leaders say a dedicated home will allow them to expand programming and serve more local children. Originally built in 1953, the armory has been used sparingly by the National Guard in recent years. The upcoming makeover will completely transform the space, adding four classrooms, a playground, a teaching kitchen, an art studio, a gymnasium, and an academic center. This expansion will allow the club to accommodate younger students and boost participation in STEM, academic support, leadership, and workforce readiness initiatives. The latest announcement builds on efforts that began last year when the City of Merrill, with financial backing from the Bierman Foundation, purchased the armory and invited the Boys & Girls Club to become its long-term tenant. While construction funding is officially complete, the organization is now shifting its focus toward raising the remaining operational funds required to open the doors. If everything stays on track, renovations are scheduled to begin this October. The new facility is expected to welcome its first students by next summer, perfectly coinciding with the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area's 30th anniversary. Visit the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area-Merrill webpage for more information, project designs, and donation opportunities.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Hundreds of bicyclists are spending the week on an annual tour of the state, following a route that mirrors the Wisconsin River. The ride is part of the Great Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River, or GRABAAWR. Cyclists cover the 427-mile length of the river, pedaling along low-traffic roads and stopping at various communities along the way. The journey began over the weekend at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River in the Northwoods, with riders leaving from Eagle River. Their first checkpoint was approximately 70 miles south in Tomahawk. From there, Day 2 takes the riders to Mosinee. Ultimately, the tour will lead the cyclists to Southwestern Wisconsin, where they are scheduled to arrive in Prairie du Chien by the coming weekend. The event is organized by Bike Wisconsin and is one of a half-dozen rides planned for the summer months. The group will actually return to the area in just a few weeks for the Bike Northwoods Tour, which kicks off on the Fourth of July. With bike season in full swing, motorists are encouraged to be mindful of these and all cyclists on the road this summer.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Tonight (Wednesday, June 17), the state is laying out its long-term fix for a notoriously rough stretch of Highway 86 in Tomahawk. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting this evening to discuss permanent reconstruction plans for Somo Avenue/Highway 86 between Wisconsin Avenue and US 51. While local crews put down a temporary pavement overlay on a four block segment earlier this spring, the state's full overhaul isn't scheduled until 2030. Tonight's session starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomahawk High School Cafeteria, featuring a brief presentation followed by an open house where residents can view maps, ask questions, and provide feedback.

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