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Natural Resources Board Amends 4 County Deer Quotas; Reaffirms Other Changes Published on 07/31/2020 under News

The Department of Natural Resources board revisited the antlerless deer quotas in eleven Northern counties, amending the initially approved tag availability in four.

The board called a special meeting after complaints the panel violated open meeting laws by communicating in a walking quorum ahead of their June 24 meeting. At that meeting they reduced the recommendations of county deer advisory committees in 11 northern counties.

Yesterday's remote meeting lasted a little more than two hours. In the end, they voted to restore the original quotas in four counties, Bayfield, Douglas, Sawyer and Burnett counties.

The quotas in 7 other counties will remain in place and include Oneida, Lincoln, Langlade and Vilas Counties.

The vote was 6-1.

In Other News

Mad Dog and Merrill to Film Grilling Show at Tomahawk Antique Outboard Motor/Boat Show

Published on 04/09/2026 under News Each summer, Tomahawk hosts a unique celebration of vintage and classic boats and motors. This year's event will offer a little extra flavor with some special guests. The 46th Annual Antique Boat and Motor Show returns to SARA Park August 4th through the 7th. It continues a decades-long tradition that draws collectors and enthusiasts from all around with demonstrations, a large swap meet, and plenty of restored vintage equipment on display. And this year they'll have some special guests in attendance. Mad Dog and Merrill, the grillmasters behind the TV show Midwest Grill'n will film a live taping on Wednesday, August 5th. The live filming gives attendees a chance to be part of the show's energetic, crowd-filled atmosphere. They said, "The addition of Mad Dog & Merrill's live filming brings even more excitement to an already beloved Northwoods tradition, blending culinary entertainment with one of the region's premier heritage events." Its free to attend both the recording of Midwest Grill'n, as well as the Antique Outboard Show. We'll offer up a reminder as the August event draws closer.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News With warmer weather arriving and pollen levels on the rise, knowing the difference between allergies and a cold can help you breathe a little easier. According to Aspirus Health, the symptoms between the two can be easy to confuse. Runny nose and congestion are common with both, but there are a few key differences. Pharmacy resident Kenneth Yuk says itchy or watery eyes are more likely tied to seasonal allergies, while body aches and fever usually signal a cold. Yuk explains that colds are caused by viruses, which can trigger a fever as the body fights infection. Allergies, on the other hand, are simply the body reacting to irritants like pollen or dust, meaning no fever. While over-the-counter meds can help, they noted some can cause side effects. And if symptoms linger for more than a few weeks, include a fever, or don't improve with treatment, doctors recommend following up with your primary care provider.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News It's back to the drawing board for City of Tomahawk Finance committee after voters rejected a request for additional spending ability. In addition to the local non-partisan races, the Tomahawk City Council placed a referendum question on the ballot to increase the base levy by 20%; up to $276,000, if approved. Instead, based on preliminary election result, the referendum was defeated with 56% of 961 voters opposed and 44% in favor. Ahead of the election, City leaders held several public informational sessions to explain why they were seeking the additional funding including costs outpacing the standard levy growth. The Finance Committee has made several cost cutting measures to help balance the budget in recent years while also taking inventory and selling off some city-owned properties. Without the levy approval, city leaders, including a new mayor Michael Habeck, will have to make due with the current levy limits.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News Tomahawk has a new mayor, while two neighboring cities re-elected their current city leaders. Tuesday was election day in the state of Wisconsin. The spring elections include local non-partisan races like city council, school board, county board and mayor. Here in Tomahawk two newcomers to the ballot faced off in the mayoral race, Michael 'Hob' Habeck and Jeffrey Koth. Based on preliminary results, Habeck cruised to victory, receiving 70 percent of the 938 votes in the race. Habeck becomes the first new mayor in Tomahawk in a decade. Outgoing Mayor Steve Taskay did not seek re-election after 10 years in office. Meanwhile, both Merrill and Rhinelander also had mayoral races on the ballot with both incumbents coming out on top. In Merrill, Mayor Steve Hass easily defeated a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner receiving nearly three quarters of the votes. And in Rhinelander, Mayor Kris Hanus narrowly edged out alderman Thomas Barnett in a race decided just 15 votes, based on the preliminary results. Other local races: For Lincoln County Board, all 22 supervisor races were on the ballot, but just three competitive races. For an open seat in District 2, Scott Doerr beat Mark Baers by just 4 votes; in District 12 Board Chair Jesse Boyd defeated Josh Oxborrow; and District 17 supervisor, Don Nelson beat incumbent James Meunier. The Tomahawk City Council had five spots on the ballot due to two partial-term appointments, but just three candidates. Pat Haskin, Don Nelson and Tadd Wegener each won their respective races. Both Nelson and Wegener will both return to the Council after gaps in service. Nelson takes over for Dale Ernst who did not seek re-election; while Wegener actually succeeds himself. He had stepped down last summer, but his seat wasn't filled. The Tomahawk School Board had three seats and two candidates. Dave Long and Ron Zimmerman were re-elected. We are still awaiting confirmation on the write-in results that will determine the other two Tomahawk City Council seats, a county board seat, and a Tomahawk School Board race.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use. Working with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, they Health Department has been hosting community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The third and final session will be this evening here in Tomahawk. These talks are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray added, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The discussion gets underway at 6pm at Kinship House in Tomahawk.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News A pair of loons are continuing their migration after a brief layover in central Wisconsin. The two loons were recently treated at the Raptor Education Group in Antigo after weekend rescues. The loons came from Portage and Waushara Counties in Central Wisconsin. These were some of the areas hardest hit by the ice storms that crossed the state late last week. Ahead of the weather event, rescuers had warned about the possible grounding in what is known as 'loon fall out'. Once on the ground, loons are limited in their movement. They also require a larger body of water to take off. We received an update from loon rescuer Linda Grenzer Tuesday. She said the loons got a quick medical check at REGI to ensure they weren't injured. The two birds were then released in Tomahawk near the Kwahamot Bay boat landing Tuesday morning. The Grenzers were thankful for all of those who helped get these birds back on the water to continue on to their final destination.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The first peregrine falcon eggs of the season have been laid in the nesting box at the Wisconsin Public Service Weston plant. WPS made the egg-citing announcement Tuesday. At the power plant near Wausau, Sheldon and an unbanded female, have laid three eggs so far, part of a growing total across Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies nest boxes. According to WPS spokesman Matt Cullen, 10 eggs have been counted at their facilities around the state. The nesting program dates back to the early 1990s, when utility companies began installing nest boxes at power plants to help restore the once-endangered species. Since then, more than 465 falcons have hatched at these sites. That accounts for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in the state. At Weston, the resident pair will now take turns incubating their eggs over the next several weeks. If conditions cooperate, the first chicks could hatch later this month or early May. People can follow along with the live nest cams as well as WPS social media for updates. The announcement also teased naming contest described as 'newsworthy'.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News It's Election Day in the state of Wisconsin, with voters heading to the polls on a variety of races and questions. Atop the ballot is the lone statewide race. Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar are vying to become Supreme Court Justice. But the spring election also includes non-partisan local races like school boards, town boards, city councils and mayoral races. Here in the City of Tomahawk, voters will elect a new mayor for the first time in a decade. Current mayor Steve Taskay isn't seeking re-election, with first-time candidates Jeff Koth and Michael 'Hob' Habeck facing off. For City Council, due to partial term appointments, there are actually five seats, but just three candidates running. The remaining two will be decided by write-in. As we previewed Monday, the City of Tomahawk is also asking to increase the tax levy. The Tomahawk School Board features two candidates for three seats. A write-in will determine the seat representing the city of Tomahawk. The Lincoln County Board uses an alternate year cycle, and all 22 supervisor seats will be up for election today. Tomahawk isn't the only community with a closely watched mayoral race here in the Northwoods. In Merrill, incumbent Steve Hass is facing a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner. And in Rhinelander, current mayor Kris Hanus is running against city council member Thomas Barnett. Ballots will differ based on where you live. Visit myvote.wi.gov and enter your address to preview your specific ballot.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News Several Northwoods students will be in Madison, competing in a two-day professional skills competition. The Alliant Energy Center and Madison Area Technical College are co-hosting the 53rd edition of the Skills USA, Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference. The participants qualified through regional competitions earlier this year. In all, more than 1,700 Wisconsin students were invited to participate representing middle school, high school, and technical colleges. This includes students from Tomahawk, Rhinelander, Merrill and NTC. The students will compete in one of more than 75 events based on career-ready fields ranging from aviation maintenance and culinary arts to masonry and video news production. All contests are judged by experts and professionals in each field. The state winners will qualify for the National competition which will be held in Atlanta in June. Wisconsin SkillsUSA was founded in 1973 and continues to grow, with 166 chapters around the state.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News A man injured in a UTV crash last month has died due to his injuries. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Paul Vedder of Hazelhurst died. The 58 year old was initially hospitalized after being involved in a UTV accident back on March 23. Responders were notified of a UTV on the edge of Lake Kaubashine in the Town of Hazelhurst. The call indicated the machine was still running, but no signs of the operator. Upon arrival, responders located Vedder trapped underneath the UTV. The 58 year old was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. In an update provided by the Sheriff's Office Monday, Vedder died as a result of his injuries. The DNR continues to investigate. There have been seven other fatal ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin this year.

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