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Cancellations & Closings Due to Covid-19 Published on 05/03/2020 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 for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

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 cancelled for the 2020 season.

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.

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.

Lincoln County's Summer ATV trails will remain closed until further notice and will not open on May 1.

Lincoln County's Underdown Horseback riding and biking trails will be closed until further notice and will not open May 1.

The Journeys Half Marathon in Eagle River on May 9 has been cancelled.

The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce has cancelled the Taste of Tomahawk that was scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

The Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo has been cancelled for June 12 through June 14, 2020.

The Red, White and Blue Day program that was scheduled for May 21 at the Tomahawk School District Fieldhouse has been cancelled.

The Pow Wow Days Fourth of July Festivities in Tomahawk have been cancelled.

In Other News

DNR Anticipating Elevated Wildfire Risk Again this Weekend

Published on 04/19/2024 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) again asks the public to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning this weekend, April 20-21, 2024, due to elevated fire danger. Warm temperatures, low humidity and breezy conditions are in the forecast for this weekend. Although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state's vegetation is still dead and dry. Over the past week, the DNR has responded to 122 wildfires burning nearly 340 acres, the most active week this season. That includes more than two dozen fires here in our Northwoods listening area. The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning and powerlines. Other common causes include campfires, equipment, and even trailer chains dragging on pavement

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A Northwoods police department will receive a state grant funded by the larger opioid settlement. Overall, Wisconsin is set to receive more than $750 million over the next 15 years through that settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. A portion of that payout goes to the Department of Health Services which further set aside $3 million for law enforcement programs addressing opioids such as community drug disposal options, staff education and training, and treatment for jail residents with an opioid addiction. The Rhinelander Police Department was selected to receive a $23,000 grant earmarked for programs to assist those with opioid use disorder. Overall, 12 agencies will share in $1.9 million including municipal and tribal police departments and sheriff's offices. DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson said in the announcement, "The projects funded by these grants will save lives," She added, "We're pleased to partner with these law enforcement agencies to support efforts to address the health and safety needs of their communities."

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A local nurse recently received a prestigious honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored Amy Bormann with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for commitment and patient-centered approach to care. Bormann works in the Birthing Center at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient. The mom called Bormann a 'total rock star' during the recent birth of her child, a delivery that happened within just a few minutes. That was actually Bormann's second deliver for this family family. The nomination highlighted Bormann for her 'positive energy, comfort & encouragement.' As a Daisy recipient, Bormann received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The staff were also treated to cinnamon rolls, another symbol from the Daisy Awards. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News An Athens man found responsible for a fatal Taylor County explosion last winter received a five year prison sentence. Matthew Zarins was back in Taylor County court on Thursday for a sentencing hearing. The 51 year old was charged following an investigation into an explosion and fire at a property in the town of Maplehurst in southern Taylor County in January of 2023. A 51 year old Stanley woman sustained life-threatening burns in the explosion, and died the following day. Investigators determined the location was likely being used to manufacture methamphetamine. In February, Zarins pleaded no contest to two charges: homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and maintaining a drug trafficking place. At yesterday's sentencing, Judge Barbara Knox Bauer ordered Zarins serve 5 years of initial confinement followed by five years of extended supervision. Court records show that matched the request made by the prosecution. Zarins was credited with 351 days of time served.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News Spring is upon us and wildlife officials are offering their yearly reminder to leave animals and their newborns alone. It's part of the annual Keep Wildlife Wild campaign. All too often a well-meaning person will come across a fledgling bird, baby rabbit or newborn fawn. While the animal may appear abandoned, the DNR says more likely than not, the mother is nearby or will return soon. Using the example of a fawn,they explained that natural behavior is to keep still and quiet. This keeps them safe from predators while their mothers forage for food. Drawing attention to a fawn's location can tip-off predators and also keep the mother away longer than expected. If you do come across a young animal that appears sick or you feel may be truly abandoned, they instead recommend taking a picture, video and some notes. Share that information with the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They'll be able to provide further guidance based on the information your provide.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News While their work is often behind the scenes, dispatchers play a crucial role in emergency response, and this week is set aside to recognize their efforts. Over the past few days, local law enforcement agencies have been taking the time to observe National Telecommunicators Week by recognizing their dispatch staff. That includes the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office which referred to the telecommunicators as the 'first, First Responders. Their 9-member 911 center handled nearly 6,300 calls last year. They dispatch for not only the Sheriff's Office but two police departments, two ambulance services, one full-time fire department, and four volunteer fire departments. The Sheriff's Office said, "When you experience a critical incident, they are the first voices that help calm the chaos. They not only take phone calls regarding emergency and non-emergency situations, but they also coordinate resources to get help to those in need; they truly are the first, First Responders." It's a similar story in Oneida County. The Sheriff's Office says their 13-member 911 center works with 17 fire departments, 5 ambulance services, 10 first responder groups and 3 law enforcement agencies.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News A Northwoods teacher has been selected for a state award for her efforts to immerse students in different cultures. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction named Crandon High School Spanish teacher Jodi Resch Brownell as their Global Educator of the Year. According to the announcement, "With three decades of experience as a teacher, Resch Brownell has instilled a love of learning about other cultures and the world among students." She's credited with bring the Global Scholars Program to the school. Students are able to learn about the world, explore diverse perspectives, engage in intercultural communication, and collaborate to address global issues. With that inspiration, the students created book and film clubs on those topics. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. "From helping her students learn about the world and diverse experiences in unique ways, to going out of her way to create opportunities for colleagues and the surrounding community to grow as individuals, Ms. Resch Brownell is so deserving of this honor In addition to helping students understand other cultures and languages through field trips and virtual exchange, Resch Brownell created a Global Learning Guide for staff, and sustains lifelong learning through travel and professional development. As this year's recipient, Council on International Educational Exchange scholarship to represent Wisconsin on a visit to a site.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Tomahawk Public Library is more that just books...and their latest effort is all about the birds. This week kicked off the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and the local library is taking part. The statewide effort is organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and participants include not only libraries, but schools, classes, bird organizations or simply interested individuals. Last year, they had 72 teams which registered 274 species of birds. There are two parts to the Birdathon...Between April 15 and June 15th, they're encouraging people to break out binoculars to spot and record as many bird species as possible. They described it like a walk-a-thon, but instead of logging miles, participants log bird sightings. Participants can search anywhere in the state, and organizers noted there are no shortage of birding opportunities and habitat here in the Northwoods. They're also collecting pledges for sightings, with a statewide collection goal is $125,000. They're on their way, already reaching $19,000. We'll include all the links in the online version of the story, or visit the TPL Facebook.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News Northcentral Technical College announced the grand opening of a new program and facility to offer training and certification for meat processing. Known as the Pasture to Plate Butchery program, the school says the certificate is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in every aspect of the meat production process, from sourcing livestock to humane harvest to preparing cuts for consumption to retail sales. They'll utilize a combination of classroom instruction, practical training and field experiences working with local farms as well as the NTC Agriculture Center of Excellence. Culinary Arts Faculty Chef Travis Teska, "As the demand for locally sourced, high-quality meats continues to grow, NTC is leading the way in preparing skilled professionals who can meet this demand while promoting ethical and sustainable practices." A key feature of the program is its emphasis on farm-to-table principles, which ensures that students understand the entire supply chain. Teska says, "The Pasture to Plate Butchery program exemplifies our dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern meat industry while upholding the highest standards of ethics and sustainability." NTC is currently accepting applications for the program.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Rhinelander Chamber has officially announced the return of the Hodag Heritage Festival, and the week-long celebration is just under a month away. For more than a century the Hodag has been synonymous with Rhinelander. Back in 2021, the Chamber and their partners established the Hodag Heritage Festival. It was a way to celebrate not only the connection to the mythical beast, but also the city's history and community. This will be the fourth edition of the Hodag Heritage Festival and the event continues to grow. Rhinelander Chamber event and program coordinator Rachel Bohlen says, "We have more Hodag & cryptid vendors, food trucks, and activities than ever before. There truly is something for everyone!" She teased a few events including a hodag calling contest, historical bus tours, a city-wide scavenger hunt and the re-dedication of the Hodag Historical marker. The Chamber has a schedule of events on their website. Some of the week-long activities will kick-off May 12, while the main celebration on Saturday May 18.

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