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Main Street Stop Signs; Open Intox Waiver Among Tomahawk Fall Ride Precautions Published on 09/18/2020 under News

While there are no city sanctioned Fall Ride events this week, the City of Tomahawk has put in place some precautions for visitors attending events at businesses downtown.

Tomahawk Main Street is a traditional destination highlighted by the closure of Main Street for the Street Dance on Friday and Saturday evening of Fall Ride. With the cancellation of that event, Main Street will remain open to traffic this weekend.

In order to accommodate the anticipated increase in pedestrian and bike traffic, the city will instead set up stop signs at each intersection on Main St.

Back in July the city also granted an open intoxicants waiver in the city. Among the goals is to prevent crowding inside establishments. An amendment to the ordinance will exclude glass containers from waiver. This was done for both clean-up and safety purposes.

Officials also encourage motorists to slow down and drive attentively.

In Other News

Tomahawk Fire Department New Engine Build Complete; Nearing Service

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Nearly two years after the initial order was placed, the Tomahawk Fire Department's new fire engine has officially arrived. Last week, several department members traveled to Custom Fire in Osceola to pick up the apparatus, which will serve as Engine #3. The city approved the roughly $1.2 million purchase back in January 2025 with an estimated 20-to-24-month delivery timeline, putting the engine slightly ahead of schedule. The department's existing Engine #3 was aging, requiring frequent maintenance, and facing rising repair costs. Fire Chief Paul Winter provided an update on the acquisition during Tuesday's Health and Safety Committee meeting. He noted that the new rig will undergo a few final steps before entering full service. It is currently getting local detailing on its coating, and Custom Fire will perform additional touch-up work later this month. The manufacturer also plans to display the Fire Truck at the Fire Chiefs' Association Conference from October 14–17. Winter says that they received some added options on the truck at no cost for allowing the display. If everything remains on schedule, the engine will officially enter service shortly after the conference. The community will have a chance to check out the rig during the Tomahawk Fire Department's open house on Saturday, October 10. It's also fitting timing, as next week also marks National Fire Prevention Week. As for the old Engine #3, Winter stated that the department plans to list it for sale to help offset the purchase cost, noting that they have already received several inquiries.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned next week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From Monday through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane.Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.As always, these dates are weather and progress dependent. We'll offer another reminder early next week.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Dealing with loss can be challenging no matter your age. A program designed specifically for children is returning to the Northwoods this weekend. The Rhinelander School District and their Community Education program will host their 4th annual Camp George on Saturday. It's a one-day grief support camp designed for children who have experienced loss. According to organizers, Camp George offers a safe, compassionate space for children to process grief related to the loss of a loved one or family changes such as divorce. To help with coping and healing, the kids will engage in specially designed activities. The program is designed for children aged 6-14. And participation is not just limited to Rhinelander student, but youth from around the Northwoods that have experienced grief. It is free, but they do ask that people register ahead of time.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Wisconsinites throw away nearly 300 pounds of food per person every year, but this week is dedicated to bringing that number down. As part of the Food Waste Prevention Week campaign, state partners are highlighting how a few simple steps can protect the environment while saving money at the grocery store. According to a statewide study, wasted food is the largest single component of trash entering Wisconsin landfills, totaling more than 850,000 tons annually. That works out to roughly 294 pounds per resident. Beyond the environmental impact, food waste hits local wallets. The EPA estimates that wasted food costs the average American $728 each year. DNR officials say small daily habit changes can make a significant financial and ecological difference. It can be as simple as mapping out weekly meals and sticking to the grocery list. Date codes indicate peak quality rather than food safety, so check food before before discarding. And organize your refrigerator and store fresh food properly to extend the shelf life. The DNR has additional tips on their website.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A lotto player in Tomahawk will receive a six-figure payout, even though they didn't match a single number on their ticket. The Wisconsin Lottery's "All or Nothing" game is unique because, as the name implies, a grand prize winner can either match every drawn number or none of them. Players choose 11 numbers from a pool of 22, making the odds of matching 0 or 11 identical. In Tuesday's drawing, a winning ticket was sold at the Tomahawk Kwik Trip store. The ticket holder matched zero numbers to secure the $100,000 grand prize. In fact, according to the Wisconsin Lottery, six of the nine grand prize winners in the game this year have won by matching zero numbers. The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Patients in the Northwoods struggling with sleep apnea have a new treatment option locally. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor rest and low blood oxygen levels. Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic is now offering Inspire V, the latest generation of an implantable therapy designed for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can't tolerate traditional CPAP machines. Dr. Ryan Black says, "Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on a person's overall health, energy levels, and quality of life." Functioning similarly to a pacemaker, the small system works by delivering gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping breathing open and natural during sleep. Dr. Black called the updated technology a "continued evolution of sleep apnea treatment." With clinical studies showing a 90 percent satisfaction rate, clinic officials say it offers an effective path to better rest. Those interested can discuss the treatment with their provider to see if they qualify.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Unfortunately, there won't be any Northwoods entries in this year's "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" bracket. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce announced the top 16 finalists following a preliminary round of voting that narrowed down an initial field of 107 products. Among those original contenders was Crandon-based Hometown Manufacturing with its trackless trolley buses, a modern take designed to mimic classic 19th-century streetcars. The annual contest showcases a wide array of state manufacturing. The final field includes everything from chocolates and health supplies to privacy glass and heavy excavation equipment. Voting now shifts to a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament, continuing until the ultimate winner is crowned on October 27. To view the bracket and cast a vote, visit madeinwis.com. 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Top 16:#1 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel by Komatsu | Milwaukee #2 Comfort Unite Back Support by Permobil Inc | New Berlin #3 Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 by AriensCo | Brillion #4 CliC Smart Privacy Glass by Cardinal IG | Tomah #5 ORION Cellular Endpoint by Badger Meter | Racine #6 Meltaway Candy Bars by Seroogy's Chocolates | De Pere #7 4-Post FreeSpan Shelving by Spacesaver Corporation | Fort Atkinson #8 LU-Series Lightweight Electric Torque Pump by Enerpac Tool Group | Milwaukee #9 Giddings & Lewis Vertical Turning Centers by Fives Giddings & Lewis | Fond du Lac #10 Aspex Printed Wall Protection / GrooveLine by Inpro | Muskego #11 Barrel Collection by Muza Sheet Metal Co. | Oshkosh #12 Custom Pool Cues by Jacoby Custom Cues | Nekoosa #13 Scag Turf Tiger by Metalcraft of Mayville | Mayville #14 Carmex by Carma Laboratories, Inc. | Franklin #15 M157 Small Arms Fire Control by Vortex | Barneveld #16 Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant by RF Technologies | Brookfield

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Instead of candy bars or soft drinks, Oneida County's newest vending machine is stocked with valuable health supplies, free to those who need them. The Oneida County Health Department has launched its very first Public Health Vending Machine this week. Positioned right outside the Health Department and ADRC building on Keenan Street in Rhinelander; it's accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The machine is stocked with essential items like hygiene and dental kits, first aid supplies, laundry kits, and even tick removal packs. They've also stocked some critical safety gear like drug deactivation bags and gunlocks, which were donated by the Rhinelander Police Department and Iron Mountain VA. Local health officials say removing the price tag eliminates barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford basic care items, all while offering a private and convenient way to get help. Public health vending machines are catching on across Wisconsin, and community donations are helping keep this one stocked year-round.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As fall foliage peaks across Northern Wisconsin, more families are trading typical weekend getaways for a day on the farm. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed September and October as Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. Agritourism, where farms open their doors to the public for entertainment, education, and fresh local food is a growing industry, both statewide and locally. Common attractions at this time of year include: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farmstead pizza. With less than two percent of Americans working directly in agriculture, industry experts say these visits help bridge the gap—giving people a chance to learn where their food comes from while supporting local family farms. In turn, it gives hardworking farmers an opportunity to showcase their operations and supplement their income. To help travelers plan an autumn trip, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association recently launched a new online directory featuring interactive maps, digital discounts, and interactive games with prizes, such as "Fall on the Farm Bingo" and a "Fall Maze Challenge." To learn more or plan your visit, go to wiagritourism.com.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Fittingly, as National Preparedness Month wraps up, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee is moving forward with an updated Emergency Management ordinance. The proposal outlines critical response procedures and establishes a clear chain of command during a widespread disaster, while also cleaning up some of the language of the existing ordinance. While officials hope to never use it, having an updated plan ready is essential. Under the ordinance, the Mayor, as the city's highest elected official, serves as the Local Emergency Management Director. Police Chief Al Elvins noted during the meeting that during a disaster, both he and the fire chief are typically tied up managing their department's operational duties. The plan also sets specific guidelines for declaring a local state of emergency. After brief discussion, committee members voted unanimously to send the updated ordinance to the full City Council for approval.

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