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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

Tomahawk Powwow Days: Parade Winners and Record-Setting Runners

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Another successful Powwow Days celebration in Tomahawk is in the books, featuring a full day of activities ranging from record-setting race numbers to an exciting fireworks show. Here are a few final notes from event organizers to put a bow on the Fourth of July festivities. Record-Breaking Race Turnout: Starting with the Powwow Days 5K, 10K, and Fun Run—the event continues to grow in popularity. In fact, organizers say they saw a record 738 racers take part this year. Parade Highlights and Winners: As for the parade, the big highlight was the F-35 flyover. While the jet was a bit delayed, it was well worth the wait as it roared up Main Street to the excitement of everyone in attendance. While there were many fantastic entries this year, a few stood out to the judges' panel. In all, nine winners were named across four categories—many of whom are frequent guests right here on WJJQ.Organizations: Hope Beyond 21 took the top spot. We've been following their new organizational efforts to support families of children with Down syndrome. Runners-up included the Summer Knights Car Club and Tomahawk Kinship.Merchants: Tomahawk Main Street took first place, followed by Hometown Christmas and LP.Youth Groups: First place went to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo, followed by the Cub Scouts.Clowns and Other: The Will Garske Group took home the top prize. Lions Club Raffle: Additionally, the Tomahawk Lions Club held its annual Powwow Days raffle, handing out more than $6,000 in cash payouts. The top prize winners included Sandy Theis ($1,500), Kevin Imm ($1,000), and Mike Kahle ($750). (Other winners include: Ken Schulz-$500; Marion Peil-$250; Kelly Nelson-$200; Suzy Skees-$200; Mike and Steve Rozinski-$200; Sue Buchannan-$200; Bob and Pam Barnetzke-$200; Chris Theiler-$200; Monica Busterud-$200; Kelly Nelson-$200; Connie Norgren-$200; Mike Volkers-$200; Pam Leist-$100; Tom Loka-$100; Al Berghammer-$100) On behalf of everyone here at WJJQ, a special thank you goes out to all of the organizers, businesses, volunteers, and community members who came out to Tomahawk over the weekend to make it a holiday to remember.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A lake home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire over the holiday weekend. The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched Sunday at just before 3:45 p.m. to a home on Ackerman Road with the fire spreading into the nearby woods. When crews arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home, along with a brush fire burning along the roadside. Firefighters quickly contained the brush fire to prevent it from spreading, but hot, humid conditions and the home's location created additional challenges. An excavator to help extinguish the remaining hot spots. No one was home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. The home was declared a total loss. While a cause wasn't immediately determined, officials say the fire appears to have been accidental. Mutual aid was provided by several area fire departments, including Tomahawk, Pine River, Corning, Russell, Riverside, Little Rice and the Wisconsin DNR, along with multiple EMS agencies and other local responders.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While many Fourth of July celebrations ended with fireworks, the pyrotechnics also kept Northwoods firefighters busy. The Pine Lake Fire Department answered two back-to-back calls Friday night. The first came in around 11 p.m. on Nature Road, where a firework had ignited the base of a tree. Bystanders managed to extinguish the flames with a garden hose before firefighters arrived. Crews then used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was completely out before clearing the scene. Shortly after firefighters returned to the station they were dispatched again, this time to the Town of Pelican to assist with a boat fire on Lake George. Officials say the boat caught fire while anchored offshore after being used to launch fireworks. By the time crews arrived, the fire had burned through the anchor line, causing the boat to drift away. Firefighters used rescue boats, as well as a neighbor's pontoon, to reach the burning vessel, put out the fire, and tow it back to shore. Crews remained on the scene for about two hours. These incidents serve as a timely reminder to properly dispose of used fireworks and keep a close watch for any smoldering debris after holiday celebrations.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Patients in the Tomahawk area will have easier access to advanced diagnostic imaging with the addition of weekly mobile MRI services at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Beginning this month, the mobile MRI unit will be available every Thursday from 12:30 to 4:15 p.m., allowing patients to receive scans closer to home rather than traveling to other communities. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs, tissues and other structures inside the body. The technology helps physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions without exposing patients to radiation. Regional Director of Imaging Services Rick Mai says offering MRI services locally will make it more convenient for patients while helping providers diagnose and treat medical conditions more quickly. The mobile unit is part of a coordinated schedule serving Aspirus hospitals across northern Wisconsin. The mobile MRI availability is shared by Aspirus Tomahawk and Eagle River Hospitals, as well as Howard Young Medical Center.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A community effort to explore bringing a YMCA to the Lakeland area has cleared an important first hurdle. Organizers say the Together for Tomorrow fundraiser, held June 13, raised more than $100,000 dedicated to funding a feasibility study for a potential YMCA. The fundraiser was a partnership between the YMCA of the Northwoods, Lakeland Fitness and Golf, and Lakeland Generations. YMCA of the Northwoods CEO Linda May says the strong community support reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for youth development, health and wellness, and family programs throughout the region. The feasibility study will examine community needs, possible locations, and the long-term viability of a YMCA in the Lakeland area. Organizers say the findings will help determine the next steps in the planning process.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While summer recreation is still in full swing, it won't be long before the focus shifts to the upcoming fall hunting season. To help hunters prepare, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized its harvest quotas for the year. The Natural Resources Board recently approved the official framework for the 2026 deer hunting season. According to the DNR, antlerless harvest opportunities will vary by individual Deer Management Unit (DMU) to reflect local herd populations. This approach provides expanded harvest opportunities in areas with higher deer numbers while maintaining conservative limits where populations are lower. More than 272,000 bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be issued statewide. While the southern half of the state continues to use county boundaries for its regulations, Northern Wisconsin has shifted entirely to DMUs. In the Northwoods, hunters in DMU 116 will not have any bonus antlerless permits available this year. This zone primarily includes western Oneida County and eastern Price County. The quota follows a recommendation from the local Citizen Deer Advisory Council (CDAC), which based its decision on current deer population goals for the area. Bonus antlerless authorizations will go on sale beginning Monday, Aug. 17.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News One of the Northwoods' biggest Independence Day traditions returns this weekend as Tomahawk celebrates Pow-Wow Days. For generations, the annual celebration has drawn thousands of people to Tomahawk for family activities, food, and entertainment. With most of the action happening on Saturday, the Tomahawk Lions Club has once again put together a full lineup of activities, ensuring there is truly something for everyone. To catch all the action, there are three main locations to keep in mind: Memorial Park in the morning, downtown mid-day, and Lake Mohawksin in the evening. Popular traditions making a comeback include the morning 5K/10K Fun Run, the Lion's Chicken Lunch, and the annual parade. This year's parade will also feature something new, fast, and loud: an F-35 fighter jet flyover. The day wraps up with a thrilling Kwahamot ski show and a spectacular fireworks display. In between the main events, visitors and locals alike can be found catching up with friends and family, exploring local shops and restaurants, or enjoying a relaxing day on the water. Tomahawk Lions Club member Kevin Koth notes that while the Lions organize Pow-Wow Days each year, the celebration is truly a community effort. It is made possible by the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and residents who work together to keep the tradition alive. You can find a full list of activities, times, and locations on the WJJQ Community Calendar. And of course, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the weekend for news, updates, and our annual live parade coverage starting Saturday at 1:00 PM.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Officials have provided additional information regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Oneida County last month. The incident happened on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM at a home located at 5620 Lumen Lake Drive in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to an update from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Alyssa Knabenbauer and Deputy Justin Orth initially went to the residence to arrest 76-year-old John Krga on charges of first-degree sexual assault of a child and repeated acts of sexual assault to the same child. The Sheriff's Office said that during the arrest, Krga produced and discharged a firearm. Deputy Orth responded by firing his weapon, striking Krga. Deputy Knabenbauer did not discharge her firearm. Krga was pronounced dead at the scene. The Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News While we may enjoy the fireworks displays, our four-legged friends generally do not. Statistics show that more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. Many of these cases involve dogs that run off because they are frightened by the loud noises. The Lincoln County Humane Society shared some essential tips ahead of the holiday to ensure your pet stays safe and doesn't end up at the shelter over the next few days. First, before the action picks up, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag containing up-to-date information. Vacationers and seasonal residents should consider picking up an extra tag to write down their current Northwoods contact details. Ahead of the celebration, it is highly recommended to take your pup for a long walk to tire them out before the noise begins. Once the fireworks start, your dog will be most comfortable at home in a safe, familiar environment. To make the space more accommodating, close your windows and lower the blinds. A TV, radio, or fan can also provide comforting background noise. Finally, ensure your pup has plenty of food, fresh water and their favorite toys to keep them occupied and distracted.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News As Northwoods lakes fill with boaters this Fourth of July weekend, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding everyone about the importance of life jackets—and ensuring they fit properly. Wisconsin law requires every boat to carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person on board. While sizing labels typically categorize jackets by age group such as infant, child, youth, and adult; officials emphasize that life jackets should always be selected based on the wearer's actual weight. To ensure a safe and proper fit, keep the following checklist in mind before launching:Inspect the Straps: Fasten all buckles, zippers, and straps. The jacket should feel snug but comfortable.Test the Lift: Lift by the shoulders of the life jacket. If the jacket slips up past the chin or ears, it is too big and needs to be tightened or sized down.The Health Department also reminds boaters that the best life jacket is the one you will actually wear. Some styles, like certain low-profile inflatables, are not designed for weak swimmers or non-swimmers, making it critical to read the performance label before heading out on the water. With thousands expected to enjoy Northwoods lakes this holiday weekend, officials say wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the simplest ways to ensure everyone returns home safely.

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