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Safety Encouraged Ahead of Gun Deer Season Opener Published on 11/19/2020 under News

Tens of thousands of hunters will be out looking to bag a buck this weekend, and the DNR is reminding hunters to use proper practices to continue Wisconsin's safe hunting tradition.

The DNR has often credited Wisconsin's safe reputation to hunters themselves, as well as a strong corps of volunteer hunter education instructors. The hunter's safety program was created as a voluntary program in 1967 and is now required of all hunters born after 1973.

Last year, Wisconsin had just 4 firearm injuries during the gun/deer season, none of which were fatal. Two of those incidents occurred in Northern Wisconsin on opening day. Both involved self-inflicted wounds following unintentional firing of the gun.

Hunters should use caution when getting into and out of stands, treat all firearms as if it is loaded, and know your target and what is beyond. This season, the DNR is also asking hunters to take covid precautions; reduce travel; and minimize the number of households in your hunting party.

And a reminder for non-hunting outdoor enthusiasts, you should also wear blaze orange to avoid any tragic accidents.

In Other News

Two Arrested on Drug Charges Following Lincoln County Traffic Stop

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two men were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Thursday as deputies were working on what was described as a directed patrol effort targeting illegal drug trafficking. During this detail a deputy observed a vehicle speeding and radioed ahead to a second deputy for a traffic stop. According to the report, deputies requested the assistance of Lincoln County's K9 unit. They said, "During an exterior sniff of the vehicle, K9 Nina alerted positive." During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies recovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia. As a result the driver and passenger were taken into custody on charges including possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. They have been identified as Eric Walloch and Patrick Grady, both of Eagle River. Both men were transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two drivers were let off with warnings after an apparent road rage incident escalated. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday on Highway 51 near Merrill. Deputies were initially dispatched to a driving complaint involving two vehicles operating recklessly. According to the report, while deputies were en route, dispatchers remained in contact with those involved and were able to direct both drivers to pull over at separate locations to wait for law enforcement. The initial caller, a 33-year-old man from Rhinelander, told deputies the other driver had, at one point, waved a handgun. Deputies also spoke with the second driver, a 47-year-old man from Oklahoma, who acknowledged becoming upset with the other driver's behavior. He admitted that he armed himself with a handgun, but said he did not point the weapon at anyone. After investigating, deputies said they were unable to determine definitively whether a law violation had occurred. Both individuals were released with warnings.______ A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 40 year old Merrill man is facing a number of citations after a reckless driving stop including a 4th offense operating after revocation, false registration plates, and illegal window tint. The driver told the deputy he was on his way to the court house at the time of the traffic stop for a court appearance on an unrelated traffic matter. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down with just one reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News With spring's arrival, it's almost time to hit the trails in Lincoln County, whether you prefer horsepower or pedal power. Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks has announced that the equestrian and mountain bike trails at the Underdown Recreation Area will officially open for the season on Friday (May 1 at 8am). Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says trail users should be prepared for typical early-season conditions as the ground continues to thaw. That means riders may encounter soft or muddy areas, uneven terrain, standing water, and debris such as fallen branches or leaning trees. They ask that trail users follow signage and stay on the trails. Behrens offered credit to local volunteer groups, including the Underdown Horse Club and the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition, for their ongoing maintenance and preparation efforts which play a key role in keeping the trail network accessible. Riders are encouraged to show their support by thanking volunteers, getting involved with local clubs, and supporting businesses that contribute to trail upkeep.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News A local nurse was recently recognized with prestigious professional honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored nurse manager Claire Horant with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. While many recipients are nominated by patients, hers came from a co-worker. The nomination wrote, in part: Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does. She is not only hardworking, but she consistently brings positive attitude that lifts the spirits of those around her. Through her actions, she inspires those around her to give their best, not just for our patients, but for one another as colleagues. As a Daisy recipient, Horant received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News It won't be long before Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk is once again filled with the sound of music. This past week, organizers of Music on the River announced the line-up for the nineteenth season of the summer concert series. Once again a mix of fan favorites and newcomers, they'll feature a little something for everyone, no matter what genre of music is a favorite. It all kicks off June 17 with a returning fan favorite. The Cougars will be back on the prowl in Tomahawk. Then over the next six Wednesdays it'll be: B.D. Greer with The Gents (June 24); Ember (July 1); The Ramble (July 8); Johnny and the Motones (July 15); The Jimmy's (July 22); The series will close out on July 29 with Copperbox. As always, these concerts are free. They're held in the riverside pavilion at Veteran's Memorial Park offering not only viewing by land, but also by water. Of course stay tuned to WJJQ each Wednesday as we'll preview that night's concert. _____ Speaking of music announcements, Tomahawk Main Street announced the headliner for the Fall Ride Street Dance. Rockers Jackyl will be returning to the Northwoods to play the 45th edition of the Fall Ride, with local rock band Storm opening. They also announced a pair of shows, Friday and Saturday, from Nashville recording artist Brooks Herring along with some additional supporting acts from around the region.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Authorities in Lincoln County are investigating a fatal incident that followed a traffic stop near Tomahawk over the weekend. According to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday at just before 5 p.m. along Highway 51 north of County Road A. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had initiated a traffic stop when the occupant of the vehicle fled. According to the release, the driver sustained what is believed to be a self-inflicted fatal injury. Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with officers from the Tomahawk Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say no additional information is being released at this time.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Firefighters from across Oneida County spent Saturday practicing life-saving skills during a specialized training in vehicle extrication. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue hosted the day-long "Heavy Rescue Training" class at its station, bringing together crews from multiple departments for both classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios. The training was led by instructors from Midwest Fire Tactics. Participants worked through a series of simulated rescue situations set up on-site, giving firefighters the opportunity to practice extrication techniques in a controlled environment. Officials say the training helps crews learn new methods and refine their approach when responding to serious crashes. Departments taking part included Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Newbold Fire Department, Crescent Volunteer Fire Department, Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Cassian Volunteer Fire Department, and Little Rice Fire Department. Organizers also thanked T&M Towing and Repair for providing vehicles used in the training, and Dinges Fire Company for supplying AMKUS extrication tools.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News An estimated 1 in 3 Wisconsinite's use private wells for their drinking water. And the Lincoln County Health Department is reminding these property owners to ensure their drinking water is safe. Erin Ray is an environmental Health Technician with the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "The only way to know what is in your water is to test." She added that spring is the perfect time to do so. Over the next few weeks, they are specifically focused on arsenic testing by offering two collection periods, this week (April 27-May 1) and then again May 11-15. They recommend property owners have their wells tested for arsenic once every 5 years. Elevated arsenic levels are associated with a number of increased health risks. The DNR has grant money available for those who find elevated levels of arsenic in their water supply. The arsenic testing kits are $40 at the Health Department, and you can contact their office for more information. Their water lab can also test for bacteria and nitrates.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Another new road construction project is getting underway in the Rhinelander area, while several ongoing projects continue. According to the DoT's weekly project update (a full list of projects is available online), crews will begin summer-long work on Highway 8 between Highway 47 and 17 north this week. The project will including new pavement, along with several single lane roundabouts at Highway 8 intersections at 17 South and County G. During construction, traffic will be detoured through Rhinelander. Work is schedule to run into September. As for other projects in the area: Here in Tomahawk, crews continue to work on the Highway 86/County D bridge that crosses Highway 51. The overpass remains closed through May 11. North of Tomahawk, Work continues on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and Oneida County L. That segment is temporarily closed and detoured through May 15. The project is scheduled to continue for a month after the re-opening, with temporary lane closures. And in Minocqua, crews are working on Highway 51 between the Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. A summer-long project, they will maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction throughout the work. Work is scheduled to run into November.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage of the spring-like weather this weekend to finish up yard work can have it removed this week. It's time once again for then annual City of Tomahawk spring yardwaste pick-up. The Public Works Department will be out each morning collecting curbside yard waste. They did offer a reminder of rules. First and foremost, clean up is for brush and yard waste only. The brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the curb. Leaves should be placed in plastic bags, no other garbage should be in those bags. Items should be set out no later than 7am each morning. If you miss this week's pick-up, CITY OF TOMAHAWK RESIDENTS ONLY, can drop off those items at the city yard waste collection site located off South Tomahawk Avenue.

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