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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

Lincoln County Group Looking to Address Issues Affecting Seniors After Successful Breakfast Conversation

Published on 04/02/2026 under News More than 80 seniors and their advocates came together in Lincoln County over the weekend for the Northwoods Senior Breakfast, part of the Senior Empowerment Project...and the conversation was just as important as the meal. Attendees at the Saturday morning breakfast in Merrill shared their top concerns affecting local seniors. Transportation continues to be a challenge, especially to other communities and weekends. Social isolation was another major topic of concern, particularly for seniors who feel left behind by technology and struggle to stay connected to community resources. Access to healthcare, along with caregiver support and respite care, also ranked high on the list. Organizer Eileen Guthrie says the work doesn't stop there. The group will now take what they heard over the weekend and begin working toward solutions to better serve seniors in the Northwoods. The Senior Empowerment Project has grown into a statewide movement, building on efforts in several Wisconsin counties to preserve and expand services for older adults. Here in Lincoln County, the group emerged out of the efforts of People for Pine Crest. Organizers say they were encouraged by the strong turnout in Merrill and are eager to keep the momentum going. As for the meal, they asked for a $1 donation for the Merrill Area Food Pantry and raised more than $250. If you'd like to get involved, you can learn more by visiting their website at Senior-Empowerment.org, their Facebook page, or revisit our earlier conversation with Guthrie in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 04/02/2026 under News Students at Rhinelander High School got a chance to experience some real world financial situations in a fictional setting. On Wednesday, the district collaborated with Rhinelander Partners in Education to offer their annual Mad Money learning event. They provided a full day of opportunity for students to learn more about home budgeting and job hiring process. The morning session was focused on finances. The students were assigned to fictional lives including jobs, families, bills, medical and childcare needs, and other real-world expenses. The students had to balance a budget within their assigned life. Then in the afternoon session, those same students experienced a job search which included mock interviews. The district brought in more than 30 local business professionals to conduct the interviews. The session also included a Shark Tank-inspired game and a presentation from speaker Michael McGowan. In addition to Rhinelander, students from Three Lakes were able to participate.

Published on 04/02/2026 under News Wednesday marked the official start of the new Wisconsin fishing season. Before casting a line, anglers are reminded to review any new rules that may affect their favorite fishing spots and grab a new license. Although Wisconsin's general inland fishing season doesn't open until May 2, the DNR notes there are still some outstanding angling opportunities available throughout the state. That includes both catch-and-release options or species-specific options on select waterways. Anglers can check out the DNR regulation guide to see which waters are open, as well as checking for any new regulations. It's also time to purchase a new fishing license, which runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. (A single license for a Wisconsin resident will run $20; spouses get a discount when purchased together at $31.) And anglers are also encourages to do a preseason check on fishing gear, boats, and trailers to ensure they are in good working order while aquatic invasive species aren't hitchhiking.

Published on 04/02/2026 under News A Lincoln County man is behind bars after an investigation into child pornography. According to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday morning following a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They traced activity to an IP address connected to the home. According to the release, deputies discovered numerous child sexual abuse materials during the search. As a result, a 59 year old man was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The man's name was not immediately released. The Sheriff's Department says there is no information to suggest the individual victimized anyone within the community. The investigation is ongoing.

Published on 04/02/2026 under News After more than a decade of service, a longtime food assistance program in the greater Rhinelander area has come to an unexpected end. Ruby's Pantry announced it is ending its monthly pop-up food distribution efforts across Wisconsin and Minnesota effective April 1. The program had served families in the Rhinelander community for over 12 years, including the past eight and a half years through Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Rod Ankrom says the closure came without warning, calling it a surprise to both organizers and volunteers. He added the ministry is grateful for the many people who stepped up over the years to help provide food and support to local families. In a statement, Ruby's Pantry leadership says the decision follows months of internal restructuring, aimed at better aligning their mission and resources. While the loss leaves a gap in local food distribution, residents in need are reminded that support is still available through the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry, which continues to serve the community. Local leaders say they're hopeful other efforts will step in to help meet the ongoing need.

Published on 04/01/2026 under News A wintery mix of precipitation isn't unusual at this time of year, and with an ice storm in the forecast overnight officials are reminding residents to take some precautions. In addition to a potentially difficult Thursday morning commute, icing can also lead to power outages. The weight of ice can weigh down or break branches which can fall on power lines or electric equipment. Wisconsin Public Service offers a handy online guide for those looking to cover all the bases before, during, and after a major storm that may result in power outages. We frequently cover home emergency kits, and that remains important. It should include food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. WPS recommends downloading their app and storing their phone number for any emergency communication. It's a good idea to charge up phones when severe weather approaches. If you have a generator; check that it is accessible, working, and full of gas. Coincidentally, we had a similar ice storm one year ago, almost to the day, that left more than 100,000 people without power, some for several days.

Published on 04/01/2026 under News Last week we highlighted the success of downtown Tomahawk in the Wisconsin Main Street Awards, but they weren't the only Northwoods community that shined. In Eagle River, local businesses and community leaders earned multiple Wisconsin Main Street honors highlighting their impact on downtown revitalization. Andy's Pontoon Saloon took home the Best Business Marketing Campaign award for its popular "Run Club." What began as a simple two-mile group run quickly grew into a weekly event drawing more than 1,500 participants over the season, boosting foot traffic and business activity throughout downtown. This is the second year in a row that Andy's Pontoon Saloon has been recognized; last year, it was named Best New Business. Longtime community leader Jim Holperin was inducted into the Wisconsin Main Street Hall of Fame. Holperin was recognized for decades of leadership, volunteerism, and investment in Eagle River's downtown, including his work with multiple committees and fundraising efforts that helped strengthen the local economy. Another Eagle River honoree, Byron McNutt, was named a 2025 Wisconsin Main Street Community Champion for his ongoing contributions to projects like Rotary Square and his continued support of downtown initiatives. The success of Tomahawk and Eagle River is more impressive competing against 37 Main Street Districts including in larger cities like Wausau, Green Bay and Milwaukee. Local leaders say the awards reflect the strength of community involvement across northern Wisconsin, with volunteers, businesses, and organizations all playing a key role in building vibrant downtowns. Elsewhere, Wausau was also recognized, with the Wausau Night Market earning Best Special Event. The monthly summer gathering has grown into a major attraction, drawing more than 2,000 visitors per event and featuring dozens of vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.

Published on 04/01/2026 under News Families in the Northwoods have a fun incentive to plan a museum visit this week, with a little baseball bonus. The Northwoods Children's Museum in Eagle River has been selected to participating site for a new statewide promotion through the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation. As part of the promotion, children ages 17 and under who visit a participating museum this week can receive two free ticket vouchers to select Milwaukee Brewers home games at American Family Field. Coinciding with the start of the MLB season, organizers say the promotion is designed to encourage family learning and play during spring break, while also making it easier for kids to experience Major League Baseball at AmFam Field. The Northwoods Children's Museum is open daily during the promotion, which runs through Saturday. The Children's Imaginarium is also participating in this program.

Published on 04/01/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for outdoor enthusiasts to step up and help keep recreation safe across the state. The DNR is currently recruiting volunteers to serve as safety education instructors for programs like hunter education, ATV and UTV safety, snowmobiling, and boating. Officials say instructors play a key role in shaping safe habits for the next generation. Hunter Education Administrator Lieutenant Renee Thok says instructors leave a lasting impression on students and help create a safer environment for everyone who enjoys Wisconsin's outdoors. The need goes beyond hunting. DNR leaders say safety programs for off-highway vehicles and water recreation also rely heavily on volunteers. Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw says Wisconsin is safer because of instructor dedication, but more help is needed. To qualify, volunteers should have experience in their area of interest, have completed a Wisconsin safety education course themselves, and be willing to commit time to teaching and mentoring others. Anyone interested in becoming an instructor can learn more through the DNR's website.

Published on 04/01/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk continues to fill in their special event calendar. At their meeting Tuesday, the City of Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee recommended six returning events for approval. The events are all quite familiar to the greater Tomahawk area. With few changes, there was minimal discussion among committee members. Three events approved were sponsored by the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce: National Night Out; the Fall Ride Bon Fire and Brat Fry; and the Annual Venison Feed. Tomahawk Main Street's Fall Ride Thunder Parade and Fall Ride Downtown Activities were approved as two separate items. And Wawui's Fall Ride festivities at SARA Park was given the green light. Each was approved unanimously. They'll be back on the agenda at the next City Council meeting for final approval. A couple of other quick notes from the Tomahawk Committee meetings Tuesday… The Finance Committee approved two borrowing resolutions that were already budgeted for. The first was for $120,000 for the replacement of two police squads. The committee members briefly discussed the service length for these vehicles, number of cars in the fleet, and the older vehicles being sold. The other borrowing resolution is part of the planned Nelson Lane Utility Project. The city is applying for a match grant from the DNR, and the borrowing would cover the city's portion of $350,000. If the city is not selected for the grant, the borrowing would be canceled and the project delayed. That happened with this project last year.

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