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Harley-Davidson Planning Cuts Including Tomahawk Facility Published on 06/26/2020 under News

According to reports, Harley-Davidson plans to layoff 140 jobs across their facilities, including 50 here in Tomahawk.

The decision was made as the Coronavirus has further affected sales that had been suppressed in recent years. In a statement, the manufacturer said, "As course of normal business, Harley-Davidson regularly adjusts its production plan and appropriately sizes its workforce.

Between the two manufacturing facilities in Tomahawk, the company has approximately 300 employees. According to a Reuters report, the remaining 90 jobs targeted in the cut would come from their larger York Assembly plant in Pennsylvania.

Back in March, Harley temporarily closed down their factories to help keep employees protected from Coronavirus.

In Other News

Tomahawk Community Gives More Than 10,000 Pounds to Goodwill Drive

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Cleaning out closets paid off in a big way for the Tomahawk community during spring cleaning. During last month's Community-Wide Garage Sale, residents could also drop off clothing and household items at the Goodwill North Central Wisconsin donation semi which was stationed at SARA Park. The final numbers are in, and the community donated more than 10,000 pounds of items. According to Goodwill Donation Acquisition Manager Aaron Clark, those donations will provide the equivalent of 733 hours of job training for people across north central Wisconsin. Clark thanked WJJQ, the community and everyone who contributed, saying the support helps Goodwill continue its mission of eliminating barriers to employment. Goodwill says, on average, 90 cents of every dollar spent in its stores is reinvested into local employment programs and services. The donation drive was held in conjunction with WJJQ's annual community-wide garage sale promotion.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News The public has a rare, hands-on opportunity to help construct an authentic Ojibwe summer wigwam at the North Lakeland Discovery Center this week. Under the direction of master builder and Ojibwe tribal member Wayne Valliere, volunteers will assemble a 15-foot diameter structure using traditional components harvested entirely from local Northwoods forests. Organizers say the experience will allow participants to connect directly with regional history and traditional Indigenous building techniques. Once completed, the wigwam will become a permanent outdoor centerpiece for the center's newly opened Northwoods Forest History Experience. Those interested can stop by to observe or lend a hand. The build runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through Friday.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Whether casting a line, enjoying a quiet paddle, pulling a water skier, or relaxing on a pontoon, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes is shared by boaters of all types. Now, those who frequent the waters are being asked to provide feedback on how they use them to help protect them. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA) has launched a stakeholder survey that will remain open through the summer. Organizers say the input will guide future lake management and support funding and grant opportunities, helping to protect the chain and its watershed for generations to come. The survey is open to residents, property owners, visitors, and anyone who utilizes the water. The gathered data will help shape local priorities for conservation education, water condition monitoring, and the control of invasive aquatic species. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available online at ERCLA.org.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A motorcyclist was hospitalized following a high-speed crash in Lincoln County last week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls last Tuesday. A preliminary investigation determined the operator was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed, lost control on a curve, and entered the median. The motorcycle rolled several times, throwing the driver from the bike. Deputies noted the driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No update on their condition has been released. In other incidents from the Sheriff's Report… A Merrill man was arrested for 3rd offense OWI following a traffic stop for reckless driving. A Tomahawk man was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct follow a disturbance at a home in the Town of King. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down this past week with just three reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A massive collection of snowmobiles and motorcycles will soon go up for auction as part of an effort to repay victims of a multi-million-dollar investment fraud scheme. The U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury announced that online auctions begin July 28 for hundreds of vehicles seized from 64-year-old Stanley Pophal of Wausau. Pophal pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud and money laundering after admitting he defrauded 190 investors out of $14.25 million. Investigators seized more than 600 items purchased with investor money, including hundreds of snowmobiles stored in a rented warehouse.As part of the settlement, Pophal agreed to forfeit the assets. Federal officials say proceeds from the auctions will go toward restitution for victims. Apple Auctioneering Company will handle the sale. Details about the items will be listed online in the coming days. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to register in advance of the sale. Pophal is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 2 in federal court.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A Mosinee man will spend the next seven-and-a-half years in federal prison after admitting he intended to distribute a large quantity of methamphetamine in Northern Wisconsin. Thirty-three-year-old Tyler Briggs was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Authorities arrested Briggs in January after an undercover drug buy outside a Wausau bar. Investigators say they found more than 1½ pounds of methamphetamine in his backpack, and Briggs admitted he was dealing drugs. During sentencing, Judge William Conley said the large amount of methamphetamine placed Briggs in a different category of drug trafficker and warranted a lengthy prison sentence. Briggs will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. The case was investigated by the FBI's Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, which includes the Marathon and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and several other local, state and federal agencies.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Wisconsin drivers should be on their best behavior this week, as state troopers will be watching from some very unusual vantage points. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced the return of two enforcement campaigns this week: its aerial enforcement initiative and the "Trooper in a Truck" program. State Patrol pilots are scheduled to spend today high above Oneida County, tracking aggressive drivers and speeders on US Highway 51 from a bird's-eye view. The aerial crews then communicate with cruisers on the ground to initiate traffic stops. Officials say the goal is not just to hand out tickets; by announcing the campaign publicly, they hope to encourage drivers to voluntarily follow the rules of the road. But the State Patrol's creative tactics do not stop in the sky. Troopers will also be swapping their squads for semis this week. The "Trooper in a Truck" campaign pairs officers with commercial truck drivers, giving law enforcement an elevated vantage point to spot distracted or reckless drivers. They'll be working in regions around the state all week long, focusing on Northwoods highways on Friday.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News A person was airlifted to a Madison burn unit after escaping a duplex fire over the weekend in Vilas County. Arbor Vitae Fire/Rescue was dispatched just after noon on Saturday to a structure fire on White Pine Lane. While crews were still en route, leadership requested mutual aid after the first responders on the scene reported that the split-level duplex was already heavily engulfed. Upon arrival, crews battled intense heat, heavy flames, and weakened floors as they attacked the fire and searched the units. The lone occupant managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived. The individual was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Madison burn center, and fire officials say they are expected to recover. No firefighters were injured. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in a lower-level room where ammunition reloading was taking place. Investigators believe a round discharged, igniting gunpowder and causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the duplex. The building is considered a total loss. More than a dozen agencies from throughout Oneida and Vilas counties ultimately responded to assist at the scene.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News There is a new Hodag in Rhinelander, but this one is made of metal and helps tell the story of the city. Community members gathered in downtown Rhinelander on Friday morning for the unveiling of the new Iron Hodag. The public art sculpture was created by Wisconsin artist Don Gaber. Built from reclaimed metal donated by local businesses and residents, the approximately eight-foot-tall sculpture incorporates pieces of Rhinelander's history, including salvaged industrial materials and other artifacts that helped shape the community. According to the Rhinelander Chamber, this project celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and community pride that define Rhinelander. The sculpture was commissioned by former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elsie Gaber, whose philanthropic support has funded several community projects through the Rhinelander Community Foundation. Organizers say the Iron Hodag adds a new chapter to the city's legendary Hodag tradition while creating another destination for residents and visitors exploring downtown. The dedication plaque reads, in part: "The Iron Hodag, Guardian of the Northwoods, A Rhinelander Legend." The Iron Hodag is located in downtown Rhinelander at the pocket park on the corner of Brown and Anderson Streets. The project was a collaborative effort between the Gabers, the City of Rhinelander, the Chamber, and ArtStart.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Lake Tomahawk's famous summer snowshoe baseball tradition is serving up more than just athletic feats tonight—it is also looking to strike out local hunger. This evening, the Lake Tomahawk Snow Hawks will host Lakeland Food Pantry Night at the ballpark, inviting fans and community members to support neighbors facing food insecurity by bringing non-perishable food items or monetary donations. "It's all about neighbors helping neighbors," the Snow Hawks said in a statement. "By hosting Lakeland Pantry Night, we hope to bring our community together for a fun night at the ballpark while helping fight hunger right here at home." Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to drop off their donations and grab a seat. A variety of food will be available for purchase at the park, including the Snow Hawks' famous signature pies. Representatives from the Lakeland Food Pantry will be on-site to collect donations starting at 5:00 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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