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Merrill Man Arrested for 6th OWI Published on 07/30/2020 under News
A Merrill man was arrested on a sixth offense of driving while under the influence.

According to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol, a trooper located a disabled vehicle on Highway 64 near Merrill at around 8:30 yesterday morning. The trooper made contact with the driver Gregory Cegielski. The trooper says the 47 year old showed obvious signs of impairment.

Following a field sobriety test, Cegielski was arrested on a sixth offense OWI and brought to the Lincoln County Jail. As of yesterday afternoon, formal charges hadn't been filed.

In Other News

Lincoln County Groups Bring Back Social Connection Challenge in May

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Several partners in Lincoln County are looking to improve mental health by encouraging interactions in the community. The Social Connection Challenge is a joint effort of Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition, Lincoln County Health Dept, and Aspirus. During the month of May, they're encouraging community members to prioritize social connection by limiting screen time; reaching out to friends, family and neighbors; seeking opportunities to help others; and finding ways to get involved in the community. Kristin Bath with the Health Department says they're excited to bring back the Social Connection Challenge for a second year. She added, "We hope this challenge provides a fun way for families, friends and our community to take part in activities that bring us together and are good for our mental health." The Challenge includes 50 suggested activities, and participants are asked to complete 15 to be entered into a prize drawing. Just a few examples include: completing a random act of kindness; attend a summer concert; join a community education class; or volunteer in your community. Online forms can be completed on the Health Department website or picked up in their office in Merrill. They will also be available in Merrill and Tomahawk at the local Libraries and Chambers. The deadline is June 5.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Tomahawk elementary students recently got to experience opera, and some even got to join the professionals on stage. This past week, the district hosted a live production of The Elixir of Love presented by Opera for the Young. Elementary students attended the performance, which was adapted into English and set in the American Old West, blended humor, music, and themes of growing up and forgiveness. For around twenty fourth- and fifth-grade students, the experience went beyond the audience. They joined professional performers on stage, taking on chorus and cameo roles in the fully staged production. The performance capped off a day-long lesson where students also had the chance to connect with the visiting artists during classroom sessions, learning more about opera and what goes into a live performance. The district says the activities gave students a rare chance to experience opera up close with a memorable mix of music, learning, and hands-on performance. The event was made possible through support from the Diane Garton Edie Legacy Fund Award and a grant from the Tomahawk Community Star Foundation.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods Veterans are traveling to the nation's capital Monday to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is taking the first of four planned missions to Washington this year. Organizers expected 91 veterans to take part including 86 Vietnam era veterans and 4 vets from Korea and a 100 year old Iwo Jima Marine from WWII. And the co-founder of the local Honor Flight chapter, Mike Thompson is also flying as an honored veteran. Today's mission is the 55th for the local hub dating back to 2010. During that time, 5,300 local veterans have taken part in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Organizers continue to encourage eligible veterans who have not taken part in the honor flight to sign up. As for today's flight, the public is invited to welcome them home this evening. Honor Flight officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30 pm.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Officials have released addition information in a fatal shooting in Taylor County last week. That incident occurred last Tuesday. Responders were called to a home in the Town of Little Black for what was described as an accidental gun-shot injury. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. They have now identified him as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford. Investigators also identified the suspect as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Marshfield. Porter was initially taken into custody and charged with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon while armed and intoxicated. He was released after posting bond. Following additional investigation, including witness interviews and analysis of digital and physical evidence, authorities say Porter was taken back into custody and is now facing a felony charge of first-degree reckless homicide. He is currently being held in the Taylor County Jail. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News With spring planting season right around the corner, Wisconsin gardeners are being reminded to choose their plants carefully. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says invasive species can easily sneak into gardens, often through ornamental plants or even wildflower seed mixes. Officials warn some seed packets may contain invasive species mixed in, so reading labels and doing a quick check before planting can make a big difference. Invasive plants can spread quickly, crowding out native species, reducing biodiversity, and even impacting wildlife habitat. The DNR encourages gardeners to consider native plants, which are better suited to Wisconsin's climate and help support pollinators. They recommended the Midwest Invasive Plant Network which offers information on invasive plants to avoid, and suitable alternatives. They have also created a free mobile app that is available for download.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Some quick road construction updates. Starting here in the Tomahawk area… The Lincoln County Highway Department announced a two day project this week. They will be working on an emergency culvert replacement on County CC, about 1.5 miles west of Tannery Road. County CC will be closed at that location starting at 6am Tuesday. They hope to re-open by the end of Wednesday. As for the WisDoT updates, Crews continue to work on Highway 86/County D bridge over Highway 51 near Tomahawk. The overpass is closed, they hope to have it back open next week. North of Tomahawk, they continue to work on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and Oneida County L. That segment is temporarily closed and detoured. According to this week's update, it will remain closed through May 21. They'll re-open ahead of Memorial Day weekend. After the holiday, this segment will be open with single lane closures.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News The winter wait is finally over... Anglers will once again fill Wisconsin's waterways this weekend with the hopes of landing some fish. Whether catching for a meal, landing a trophy mount, or just spending a relaxing day out on the water; there are plenty of reasons to fish. Saturday marks the start of the inland fishing season for a number of species. In addition to walleye, pike, large-mouth bass and panfish, it now includes musky as well. (One of the few exceptions, northern zone anglers for small mouth bass will have to practice catch-and-release until June 20.) The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bear that out. Statistics show nearly a million fishing licenses are sold every year. The DNR did offer up a few reminders for anglers before heading out this season. Make sure you've got a fishing license and go over rules and regulations including any lake-specific rules or bag limits where you fish. The new season may also mean some changes to those rules. For example, the Lake Nokomis/Rice Reservoir Chain and the Boom-Rhinelander Chain now have a new 10 pan fish daily bag limit. The DNR has a webpage with all changes for the season, divided by county. To keep invasive species out of your favorite waterways, it's a good idea to inspect your boat, trailer and equipment for these aquatic hitchhikers. And stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for fishing news, updates, events, and of course a stable of fishing guides who offer their expertise with their weekly reports. Reservoirs: Eau Pleine 3", Spirit 3", Nokomis 6", Rainbow 1.5', Willow 2'

Published on 05/01/2026 under News A piece of a powerful Vietnam Veterans memorial now has a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College held a dedication ceremony Thursday for a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony took place at the Lakeside Center Patio, where members of the Northwoods Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute ahead of the brief but meaningful ceremony. Nicolet was selected as a permanent home for a section of the retired exhibit after originally serving as one of 31 stops on the nationwide tour back in May of 2023. Army veteran and Nicolet employee Casey Lehmann, who helped coordinate that first visit, and said the experience united the campus and broader community in remembrance and gratitude. Lehmann said the display will serve as a lasting tribute, one that not only honors those who served and sacrificed, but also stands as a reminder of the enduring cost of freedom. Even the steel base for the new display reflects school's ongoing support of local vets. It was created by veterans who participated in a Nicolet community education welding class.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News As part of the nation's 250th anniversary, local conversations will offer a chance for Northwoods residents to reflect on America's beginnings and its future. Several area libraries will host community discussions as part of the America@250 initiative, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods and PBS Wisconsin. That includes the Tomahawk Public Library which announced two of these conversations in May. Discussions will be inspired by the documentary series The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The series explores how thirteen colonies fought for independence and helped shape democratic movements around the world. Organizers say the goal is to encourage thoughtful, local conversations about the ideals of the nation's founding, the challenges faced along the way, and how those themes still resonate today. The Conversations at the Tomahawk Library are scheduled for May 7 and May 21. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Those interested can contact the library to learn more or reserve a spot.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News While local Humane Societies do an excellent job in caring for dogs, cats and other common furry friends; other, more exotic pets may prove a challenge to re-home. Coming up this weekend several local partners will work with Neenah-based J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue for an Exotic Pet Surrender in Oneida County. They'll be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and other small animals and plants no questions asked. The event helps keep these animals from being released into the wild which can be harmful to both the animal and the environment. Surrendered animals will be cared for by J&R Rescue until they can be re-homed down the line, whether through adoption or a sanctuary. (Organizers note that animals surrendered this weekend will not be available for immediate adoption at the event.) This event is not for common, domesticated pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and chickens as there are other resources available for these species. The exotic pet surrender will be at the Rhinelander Library on Saturday from 10am to 1pm They'll also have some experts and animal ambassadors on hand to educate on responsible pet ownership and the risks of invasive species.

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