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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

Aspirus Urges Residents to Take Precautions with Wildfire Smoke

Published on 07/16/2026 under News Stepping outside may feel more like walking into a campfire this week as thick wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota continues to blanket the Northwoods. The smoky conditions are expected to linger through at least today, bringing periods of unhealthy air quality across the region. Aspirus Health is urging residents to limit their time outdoors when air quality drops. Dr. Tony Malik says wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; worsen asthma and other lung diseases; and even increase the risk of heart-related problems. Air quality conditions can change quickly, so residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts until the smoke clears. It's a good idea to keep windows and doors closed, use HEPA air filters when possible, and consider a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended time outdoors is unavoidable. Dr. Malik says, "Summer is a time when people naturally want to be outdoors... When air quality is poor, it's best to postpone those activities if possible or reduce the amount of time you spend outside." People with asthma or other chronic health conditions should keep their medications close at hand and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. Anyone experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain should seek medical attention promptly.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News While school may be out for the summer, class is in session for water conservation. Each summer, stakeholders from across the region gather for the Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting. The annual conference brings together environmental experts and community members to discuss local water resources and how to protect them. The six participating counties include Oneida, Vilas, Iron, Forest, Langlade, and Lincoln. Under this year's theme, "What's Your Lake's Report Card?", presenters will focus on the key indicators of lake health. Topics will include water quality, fisheries, aquatic habitat, shoreline stewardship, nighttime light pollution, and wild rice as an ecological health indicator. Organizers emphasize that healthy lakes require ongoing, active stewardship. They hope the meeting will provide practical, actionable information for anyone who lives on, plays on, or simply cares about Northwoods waters. It'll take place tomorrow morning at James Williams Middle School from 8am to 12:30pm. While registration is appreciated, walk-ins are welcome.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News A late-night house fire was narrowly averted in Vilas County thanks to a quick-thinking bystander, and it prompted a timely warning from local firefighters about the proper disposal of smoking materials. According to Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue, a passerby spotted flames on a cedar porch at a home off Highway 51 in Arbor Vitae overnight Tuesday. The alert citizen immediately called 911 and managed to knock down the flames before emergency crews arrived. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining hot spots, limiting the damage to the porch structure. The fire department said in a statement, "Although the outcome was positive in terms of an early notification, it could have been much worse, potentially catastrophic given the time of night." Investigators determined the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. Officials warn that porches and balconies are among the most common areas for these types of fires, emphasizing that they are completely preventable. First responders are urging everyone to exercise an extra degree of care when disposing of smoking materials to help keep the community safe.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News It's not the kind of topic that grabs headlines every day, but it's one that touches every Wisconsin community. State Representative Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk announced this week that he has been appointed to chair the Legislature's Study Committee on Cemeteries. The committee will review and update Wisconsin's cemetery laws, including policies covering abandoned cemeteries and burials on non-cemetery property. Callahan says cemeteries and burial sites are sacred places that deserve dignity and respect. He says discussions with constituents, stakeholders and legislative attorneys have shown broad agreement that the state's cemetery laws need updating. The study committee will include citizen experts who will help lawmakers develop recommendations for possible changes to state law.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News Art lovers will have plenty to explore this weekend with an exciting local exhibition. The Manito Art League's 61st annual Art Show and Sale kicks off this morning at the Manitowish Waters Community Center. Organizers say this year's event features roughly 200 original pieces of art submitted by 86 regional artists, spanning a wide variety of subjects and mediums. This year's exhibition will be judged by acclaimed watercolor artist and instructor Dale L. Popovich, who brings more than 45 years of professional experience and a longtime connection to Wisconsin's Northwoods. In addition to browsing the gallery, visitors will have the chance to take a piece of Northwoods creativity home. A silent auction will feature original artwork donated by league members, with all proceeds directly supporting the league's Young Artist Scholarship Program. For the upcoming school year, the program awarded $26,000 to local students. The scholarship area stretches as far south as Tomahawk, where two local students received awards. Following the private patron's preview last night, the Art Show is open to the public starting today through Sunday. Admission is free.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News Today is July 15, or 7/15, a date that doubles as a celebration of Wisconsin's scenic Northwoods and the vibrant communities that call the 715 area code home. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce is marking 715 Day by highlighting everything that makes the region so special, from its scenic landscapes and rich community traditions to its local businesses and residents. Chamber Director Charis Lau says, "715 Day is about celebrating the pride we have in our community and sharing that pride with others." How to ParticipateThe Chamber offers several easy ways for the community to get involved today: Support Local: Shop, dine, and explore the independent businesses that keep Tomahawk thriving.Show Your Pride: Represent the area by sporting custom 715 Tomahawk merchandise.Share the Love: Highlight your favorite local spots and scenic views on social media.Join the Chamber's 715 Photo Contest by submitting pictures that capture the true spirit of the Tomahawk area.Lau added, "Whether you've called Tomahawk home for decades or you're discovering the Northwoods for the first time, we hope you'll join us in celebrating what makes our corner of the 715 so unforgettable." The Chamber encourages everyone to follow along on social media throughout July as they continue to showcase featured attractions, hidden gems, local stories, and photo contest submissions all month long.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News The Tomahawk community is rallying behind one of their own. David Bethel Jr. was diagnosed with glioblastoma last month. As he undergoes treatment, neighbors and local business owners are stepping up to support his family. To mark Glioblastoma Awareness Day, The Rock Church organized a gray ribbon campaign. The color is traditionally used for brain cancers to represent the brain's "gray matter." Meanwhile, community members are sporting T-shirts that read, "Moving Heaven and Earth to Support Dave"—a nod to his local excavation business. Local businesses, including Boomba Bar and Simply Stitched, are also donating a portion of their sales to the family. As Bethel fights his diagnosis, Tomahawk is making sure he and his family don't have to do the heavy lifting alone. Community members are encouraged to purchase campaign T-shirts, patronize participating shops, or display a gray ribbon to show their solidarity.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News As the hot and humid stretch continues, another weather concern is moving into the Northwoods. Residents looking toward the sky today may notice a familiar summer haze. Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario is expected to drift into Wisconsin, creating hazy skies and, at times, a noticeable smoky smell. In recent years, wildfire smoke has become an increasingly common and unwelcome summertime visitor across the state. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until noon Thursday. The greatest concern is for sensitive groups, including young children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. These individuals are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. For everyone else, the main impacts will likely be hazy conditions and a smokey smell. The Wisconsin DNR offers an air quality map on its website for those who want to track conditions.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News After some country last week, Tomahawk's Music on the River is tuning its dial to the blues. This evening, the community will welcome back Johnny and the MoTones. The Central Wisconsin-based band has been delivering their signature mix of blues, R&B, and soul for more than two decades. No stranger to the local stage, the band has been a regular performer at Music on the River over the years. They have released a number of albums, including one with a title that will sound very familiar to the Northwoods: Highway 51. Tonight's performance marks the midway point of the nineteenth season's seven-concert run. The weather forecast is looking promising, after several straight rainy Wednesdays have impacted the Music on the River schedule. Johnny and the MoTones will take the stage at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park pavilion.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News Authorities in Eagle River are investigating a suspected drug overdose death after an early morning call Tuesday. Police were dispatched to a city residence just after 2:15 a.m. for an unresponsive person. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of family, and the official cause of death will be determined after an autopsy and toxicology testing. Police say there is no threat to the public as investigators work to determine the source of the suspected drugs involved. They also remind residents that naloxone, or Narcan, is available at the Eagle River Police Department and can save lives in an overdose emergency.

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