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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

Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Returns to Merrill This Weekend

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls will once again take center stage as the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo returns to the Merrill Festival Grounds this weekend. The three-day event, now in its 37th year, attracts competitors and spectators from across the Midwest and remains one of Lincoln County's largest summer traditions. Rodeo Vice President Brian Moody notes that the weekend provides a major economic boost for Merrill and the surrounding area, drawing visitors who pack local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. This year's rodeo features all the fan-favorite events, including bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and steer wrestling. Earlier this week, trick rider Spencer Rose stopped by the WJJQ studios to preview the rodeo, and talk about the acrobatic stunts she performs on horseback between events. She was joined by her young daughters, Lottie and Dolly, who are already becoming crowd favorites with their own riding routines. There's also plenty of other food, vendors, and entertainment on the grounds throughout the weekend. Each performance features a unique theme:Friday: Military Appreciation Night and WJJQ Night: While our station staff won't be on horseback, we will be down at the festival grounds greeting listeners, meeting rodeo fans, and giving away WJJQ prizes.Saturday: "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" Night, dedicated to raising cancer awareness and supporting researchSunday afternoon: Family Day to close out the weekend

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Time may have stopped temporarily, but help is on the way for one of Lincoln County's most recognizable landmarks. The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved accepting a $99,000 grant from the Bierman Family Foundation to restore the historic clock atop the Lincoln County Courthouse. The courthouse clock, which recently stopped working, is one of the most recognizable features in the county, so closely tied to local identity that it is prominently featured in the county's official logo. Built in 1903, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That means any repairs must preserve the clock's original historic character, and requires special expertise. The restoration work will be performed by Wind Me Up Clock Shop of Rhinelander in partnership with The Tower Clock Company of Ohio. Supervisors unanimously approved the resolution, accepting the foundation funding to move forward with the restoration project. Once completed, the repairs are expected to return the iconic timepiece to working order while preserving a piece of Lincoln County history for future generations. A repair timeline wasn't immediately provided.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News A Tomahawk family is creating a new gathering place centered around good food and community connection to honor the memory of their daughter. Jim and Diane Alber are preparing to launch Kelly's Farm to Table, a new event venue and wood-fired pizza destination on their family farm southwest of Tomahawk. The venture is named in honor of their daughter, Kelly, who passed away five years ago at the age of 36. Diane shares that Kelly was known for her kindness, generosity, and joyful outlook on life. By building a welcoming space where people can come together, the family hopes to continue her legacy. The farm has been in the Alber family since 1917, and Jim notes that Kelly's Farm to Table is a wonderful way to share their deep family heritage with the community while honoring their daughter. The Albers envision hosting community events, family gatherings, and special occasions featuring wood-fired pizzas and other menu items. The farm boasts a large outdoor gathering area, deck seating, an indoor event space, and a custom brick pizza oven. The project has been a year in the making, and the Albers have been receiving guidance along the way from family friends who are local restaurateurs. They will be offering a special preview this weekend with an open house on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the property, learn more about the new venture, and meet the family behind the project. Listen In: You can hear the full conversation with the Albers in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News As Northwoods residents head outdoors to enjoy the first weekend of summer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging everyone to keep an eye out for invasive species. It is Wisconsin Invasive Species Awareness Weekend, and the DNR, along with its partners, is hosting more than 30 events across the state. These programs are all aimed at educating the public about the invasive plants, animals, and diseases that threaten the state's natural resources. Activities include guided hikes, educational programs, invasive species control workshops, and volunteer field projects. Many of these events are designed for all ages, offering hands-on opportunities to learn how invasive species spread and what can be done to stop them. A full list of events is available on the DNR website. Even if you don't attend an organized event, the DNR reminds outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of transporting invasive species, both this weekend and throughout the year. Often referred to as "hitchhikers," these pests can cling to everything from boots to boats. To help protect our woods and waters, it is always a good idea to inspect and clean your clothing, gear, equipment, and pets before and after any outdoor outing.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News A recent rainy stretch has significantly improved drought conditions and offered a much-needed reprieve for Northwoods firefighters, who were busy throughout early spring. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the abnormally dry conditions previously covering the Northwoods have largely cleared out. Lincoln and Marathon counties are no longer designated as abnormally dry, while only small segments of Vilas, Oneida, Langlade, and Price counties remain on the list. The wet weather has also allowed local lawns, plants, foliage, and trees to green up after a dry start to the spring. That's offered a break for area wildfire crews, the DNR wildfire tracker reported zero wildfire responses in the area over the past week. The Northwoods is currently the exception to the rule, as 70 percent of Wisconsin remains classified as abnormally dry. This includes two distinct pockets of Moderate Drought (D1) near Madison and La Crosse.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News One of the premier annual art exhibits in the region has returned to the Northwoods for the summer. The Northern National Art Competition hosted a gallery opening reception Thursday to kick off the 39th year of the competition and exhibit. It's sponsored by the Northern Arts Council and hosted in the Nicolet Art Gallery. Each year hundreds of pieces are submitted from around the country. From those, approximately 100 works have been selected and featured in the exhibit, with cash prizes also up for grabs. Organizers noted the quality and caliber of the artwork makes it one of the premiere annual exhibits in Northern Wisconsin. And each year brings a different judge and their unique lens, which organizers noted makes every Northern National special. This year they welcomed Darrell Taylor, curator and assistant director at the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Iowa. Taylor's work, spanning performance, photography, drawing, and collage, has been showcased nationally and internationally. Going forward, the exhibit will be open and free to the public during regular gallery hours through July 31.

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.

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