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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

Rhinelander 4th of July Parade Includes ‘Sensory-Friendly’ Segment

Published on 06/29/2026 under News For many people, the sounds of a Fourth of July parade are part of the celebration. But this year in Rhinelander, organizers are also setting aside a quieter stretch of the route so even more people can enjoy the holiday tradition. The Rhinelander Fourth of July Committee has announced it will designate a sensory-friendly area along this year's parade route, extending from City Hall to Rives Street. Parade participants are being asked to avoid using sirens, loud horns and confetti cannons while traveling through that section of the route. Music from parade units and marching bands, however, will still be welcome. The committee says the sensory-friendly area is intended to better accommodate individuals with sensory concerns, helping make the community celebration more accessible and inclusive. Organizers are asking all parade participants to honor and respect the request as the parade makes its way through the designated quiet zone.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With the Northwoods' first real stretch of summer heat settling in this week, many residents will be looking for ways to stay cool without sending their electric bills soaring. Wisconsin Public Service is offering several simple, low-cost tips to help keep homes comfortable while reducing energy use. One of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to keep the sun out by closing blinds or curtains during the day. WPS also recommends keeping windows closed while outdoor temperatures are highest, then opening them overnight to let cooler air inside. Ceiling and portable fans can helps circulate cool air. WPS reminds homeowners to make sure ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer, creating a cooling downdraft. Another tip is to avoid creating extra heat indoors during the daytime hours. Instead of using the oven or stove, consider grilling outside, and swap the dryer for a clothes line. For those looking to save money over the long term, WPS recommends choosing energy-efficient appliances when it's time to replace older models and installing a programmable smart thermostat to help manage cooling costs more efficiently.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News A Fourth of July cookout in Wisconsin is expected to cost a little more this summer, according to the annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket Survey released this past week. To determine the average cost, the survey tracks the prices of a dozen cookout essentials—including burgers, hot dogs, buns, and sides—at a sample of grocery stores across 20 communities statewide. This year, the survey found that the average cost to host a typical summer cookout for ten people is around $75.50, a 7.5% increase from last year. This total is roughly two dollars higher than the national average and marks the highest cost since the survey was established in 2013. Farm Bureau spokesperson Cassie Sonnentag says, "From availability to inflation, we are seeing increases across many of the food items on the shopping list." This includes supply chain issues and rising fuel costs. The largest jump was in ground beef, up 23% from last year. The spike is driven largely by the cost of ground beef, which is up more than 23% from last year due to supply chain price increases, particularly rising fuel costs. However, there are still ways to save. Sonnentag noted that identifying local brands, taking advantage of sale prices, buying in bulk, and shopping in season can significantly reduce overall spending. Other cookout tips include creating a menu beforehand, sticking to your grocery list, and spreading the cost by inviting guests to bring a dish to pass. In addition to its summer cookout report, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau also conducts an annual Thanksgiving dinner survey.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News Two people were found dead in a Lac du Flambeau home on Saturday evening. Responders were called to the residence at around 9:00 p.m., where they discovered a man lying on the garage floor and a woman inside the home. The male subject, identified as Gilbert "Barney" Chapman, was already deceased. Life-saving efforts were attempted on the woman, identified as Natalie Poupart, but were ultimately unsuccessful. In a statement, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police said, "While the causes of death are unknown at this point, there is no indication that either victim sustained any sort of physical injury, nor is there any indication that there is any threat to the community." Autopsies will be performed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News One person was injured in a motorcycle and truck crash in Oneida County over the weekend. According to the Pine Lake Fire Department, responders were dispatched to that crash on River Road near Forest Point Drive. The call came in early Sunday morning at shortly after midnight. Officials say the operator of the motorcycle was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Hospital for injuries sustained from the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured. No other information was provided, crews were on the scene for around an hour.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With action picking up on area waterways, a popular awareness campaign returns to remind boaters about simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The DNR will team up with local volunteers and lake organizations for the annual Great Lakes Landing Blitz. It's a regional collaboration that includes all Great Lakes states and provinces. Here in Wisconsin, the Clean Boats, Clean Waters teams will be offering tips during boat landing inspections to help keep our waterways clean. Many Northwoods boaters are already familiar with these volunteers at local landings during the boating season. Erin McFarlane is a Clean Boats, Clean Waters coordinator. She says, "With so many people hitting the water over the Fourth of July, we have a major opportunity to practice good stewardship." She added, "The Great Lakes Landing Blitz is a great reminder that small actions – like draining a livewell or removing plants from a boat trailer – add up to a massive positive impact for our shared environment." The two-week Landing Blitz kicks off today and runs through July 12.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride is still a few months away, but the milestone event officially has its new look. Earlier this year, the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce held a logo design contest to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the annual motorcycle rally, which brings tens of thousands of riders to the Northwoods each fall. After considering all of the submissions, the chamber selected the winning entry from John Rogers and Dylan Turpanjian. According to Chamber Executive Director Charis Lau, the winning logo captures the heart of the Fall Ride by highlighting themes of Wisconsin pride, patriotism, Northwoods beauty, and a tradition that has remained "rolling strong" for 45 years. The design is packed with local symbolism. The background features an outline of Wisconsin in green and gold, a nod to the Packers,divided by a red Fall Ride ribbon representing the Badgers. The southern half of the state includes an American flag, while the northern half showcases Northwoods trees and a soaring eagle. Right in the center is a motorcycle wheel, which the artists say symbolizes the enduring legacy of the event. Rogers and Turpanjian drew inspiration for the piece after participating in past Fall Ride events, including last year's Thunder Parade. They wrote in the submission, "The genuine sense of community and the good-old-days is present everywhere in Tomahawk from the very personable WJJQ DJs broadcasting local happenings to the welcoming Chamber representatives and small business owners all over town and throughout the surrounding hamlets of the Northwoods." In its announcement, the Chamber stated that the enthusiastic response to the contest showcased the creativity and passion that have helped make the Fall Ride a beloved Northwoods tradition for generations. The new logo will be featured on everything from event signage to commemorative merchandise this September.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Summer is officially ice cream season, and a new limited-edition flavor dreamed up by local kids is starting to roll out across the state. Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to host a flavor creation contest. The competition challenges 4-H clubs from all over Wisconsin to come up with a unique theme and flavor profile. The winning entry is then manufactured by Cedar Crest and sold throughout July to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. This year's winning flavor was created by the Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H Club out of Merrill. Remarkably, this marks the second time in three years that the local club has won the statewide contest. Their creation, "Hold Your Horses," features espresso-flavored ice cream packed with chocolate-covered toffee pieces and a rich caramel ribbon. "Hold Your Horses" is beginning to arrive at ice cream parlors and scoop shops around the state. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe in Nokomis teased the arrival of the new flavor in its latest shipment. They typically post their daily ice cream selections on Facebook, so locals can keep an eye out for when the new flavor enters the regular rotation. While the winning 4-H flavor is typically a July exclusive, Cedar Crest has been known to make popular winners permanent additions to their lineup. In fact, the Pesobic Pathfinders' previous winning creation, "Paul Bunyan," was so well-received that it is now a permanent Cedar Crest flavor.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Pollinator Week is wrapping up, but officials hope local efforts will continue and inspire people to take action throughout the year. All week long, we've been highlighting the important role that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can easily do their part, and getting started may be simpler than it seems. The Department of Natural Resources notes that property owners can attract pollinators and provide crucial habitat with very little effort—simply by leaving a portion of their yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris all serve as homes for various pollinating insects. Providing a small, shallow water source can also make a yard much more welcoming. For those with a green thumb, planting a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the summer is highly beneficial. When choosing what to plant, try to focus on native species. Even if you don't have a lot of yard space, officials note that a few potted plants on a porch or patio can still make a meaningful difference. For more tips and step-by-step instructions, the DNR offers comprehensive guides on creating pollinator habitats on its website.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News A man wanted in connection with a Milwaukee homicide has been arrested after being spotted in the Northwoods. On Thursday, the Vilas County Sheriff's Office asked the public for assistance in locating the suspect, Michael Garcia Carroll. According to the initial news release, deputies from Vilas and Oneida counties made contact with Carroll at a gas station in Arbor Vitae earlier that day. Authorities said he initially fled on foot and was able to elude law enforcement. In an update provided Thursday evening, the Sheriff's Office announced that Carroll had been apprehended and is now in custody. No further details regarding the arrest have been released at this time. The Milwaukee Police Department had been seeking Carroll for his alleged connection to a homicide that occurred in the city on June 18.

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