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Merrrill Historic Preservation Committee Meeting to Discuss TB Scott Mansion Published on 02/22/2021 under News

With a Merrill landmark set to be taken down in the coming months, Merrill residents are seeking a way to preserve the history of the TB Scott Mansion.

Last week, Ascension, which currently owns the property applied for and obtained a wrecking permit to take down the historic building.

This re-invigorated a push to save the property in some manner. In the past groups, have explored re-locating the home, but that is seen as cost prohibitive. Other citizens are circulating a petition to save the mansion.

The Merrill Historic Preservation Committee is set to meet Monday evening at 6pm. The lone agenda item is a preliminary hearing on the nomination of the T.B.Scott Mansion to be designated as City of Merrill Historic Structure.

In Other News

Many Northwoods Musky Guides Pausing with Elevated Water Temperatures

Published on 07/17/2026 under News A stretch of hot summer weather has pushed water temperatures across Northern Wisconsin into the high 70s. While that might sound perfect for a swim, local fishing experts say it is dangerous territory for the state's most prized sport fish. All three experts in our stable for the WJJQ Fishing Minute updates discussed the risks to musky survival rates when practicing catch-and-release in the 75- to 80-degree range. Even when muskies appear healthy when let back into the water, the stress and exhaustion from the catch can have a lasting, often fatal impact. Guides Steve Heiting and Tim Buffington both shared that they are temporarily holding off on targeting muskies, choosing instead to pivot to other game fish. While the muskies rest in the cooler, deeper pockets of the lake, Northwoods guides recommend taking advantage of other active summer bites, including bass and panfish. To learn more, stay tuned to the WJJQ fishing reports as our experts go more in-depth on the topic. In the meantime, if the water is pushing 75°F or warmer, give our local muskies a breather so they can fight another day.

Published on 07/17/2026 under News A fire at a Tomahawk funeral home was quickly contained, thanks to a rapid response from local emergency crews. Firefighters were called to Generations Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon. In a social media post, owner Kevin Krueger said the fire occurred in the back of the building, and primarily resulted in smoke damage. He says the Generations building remains intact and fully operational, and the funeral home will continue providing all of its services without interruption. Krueger, himself a longtime firefighter, thanked the Tomahawk Fire Department for its quick response. No injuries or a cause of the fire have been reported.

Published on 07/17/2026 under News Drivers in the area should be on their best behavior today. A week-long enforcement effort wraps up here in the Northern Wisconsin. As we previewed earlier this week, the State Patrol has been participating in their annual Trooper in a Truck campaign. Each summer, the state patrol partners with the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association to allow troopers to sit in the passenger seat of semis and other transport vehicles. This offers a better vantage point to watch for distracted driving dangers, seatbelts, and safety violations. If a violation is spotted, the trooper will radio another unit in a squad to conduct a traffic stop. After working out of their other posts around the state throughout the week, their final stop is here in Northern Wisconsin, working out of the Wausau post. This is the sixth summer the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted 'Trooper in a Truck.' A half dozen other states utilize similar campaigns.

Published on 07/17/2026 under News The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends on Wisconsin's waterways, and it kept conservation wardens busy across the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provided a summary of their annual Operation Dry Water campaign. The effort focuses on preventing impaired boating through education and enforcement. During the effort, wardens contacted more than 1,700 boats during the over the three-day holiday weekend. Wardens arrested 25 impaired boat operators, issued nearly 900 warnings, and wrote more than 200 citations for boating safety violations. The campaign also included a rescue in the Northwoods. DNR Warden Tim Price was patrolling the Eagle River Chain on the night of July 4 when he spotted a woman who had fallen from a pontoon and was sinking without a life jacket. Price pulled her from the water. The agency noted the woman was intoxicated. The DNR reminds boaters that operating a boat while impaired is illegal and encourages everyone to wear a life jacket whenever they're on the water.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News Stepping outside may feel more like walking into a campfire this week as thick wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota continues to blanket the Northwoods. The smoky conditions are expected to linger through at least today, bringing periods of unhealthy air quality across the region. Aspirus Health is urging residents to limit their time outdoors when air quality drops. Dr. Tony Malik says wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; worsen asthma and other lung diseases; and even increase the risk of heart-related problems. Air quality conditions can change quickly, so residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts until the smoke clears. It's a good idea to keep windows and doors closed, use HEPA air filters when possible, and consider a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended time outdoors is unavoidable. Dr. Malik says, "Summer is a time when people naturally want to be outdoors... When air quality is poor, it's best to postpone those activities if possible or reduce the amount of time you spend outside." People with asthma or other chronic health conditions should keep their medications close at hand and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. Anyone experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain should seek medical attention promptly.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News While school may be out for the summer, class is in session for water conservation. Each summer, stakeholders from across the region gather for the Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting. The annual conference brings together environmental experts and community members to discuss local water resources and how to protect them. The six participating counties include Oneida, Vilas, Iron, Forest, Langlade, and Lincoln. Under this year's theme, "What's Your Lake's Report Card?", presenters will focus on the key indicators of lake health. Topics will include water quality, fisheries, aquatic habitat, shoreline stewardship, nighttime light pollution, and wild rice as an ecological health indicator. Organizers emphasize that healthy lakes require ongoing, active stewardship. They hope the meeting will provide practical, actionable information for anyone who lives on, plays on, or simply cares about Northwoods waters. It'll take place tomorrow morning at James Williams Middle School from 8am to 12:30pm. While registration is appreciated, walk-ins are welcome.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News A late-night house fire was narrowly averted in Vilas County thanks to a quick-thinking bystander, and it prompted a timely warning from local firefighters about the proper disposal of smoking materials. According to Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue, a passerby spotted flames on a cedar porch at a home off Highway 51 in Arbor Vitae overnight Tuesday. The alert citizen immediately called 911 and managed to knock down the flames before emergency crews arrived. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining hot spots, limiting the damage to the porch structure. The fire department said in a statement, "Although the outcome was positive in terms of an early notification, it could have been much worse, potentially catastrophic given the time of night." Investigators determined the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. Officials warn that porches and balconies are among the most common areas for these types of fires, emphasizing that they are completely preventable. First responders are urging everyone to exercise an extra degree of care when disposing of smoking materials to help keep the community safe.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News It's not the kind of topic that grabs headlines every day, but it's one that touches every Wisconsin community. State Representative Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk announced this week that he has been appointed to chair the Legislature's Study Committee on Cemeteries. The committee will review and update Wisconsin's cemetery laws, including policies covering abandoned cemeteries and burials on non-cemetery property. Callahan says cemeteries and burial sites are sacred places that deserve dignity and respect. He says discussions with constituents, stakeholders and legislative attorneys have shown broad agreement that the state's cemetery laws need updating. The study committee will include citizen experts who will help lawmakers develop recommendations for possible changes to state law.

Published on 07/16/2026 under News Art lovers will have plenty to explore this weekend with an exciting local exhibition. The Manito Art League's 61st annual Art Show and Sale kicks off this morning at the Manitowish Waters Community Center. Organizers say this year's event features roughly 200 original pieces of art submitted by 86 regional artists, spanning a wide variety of subjects and mediums. This year's exhibition will be judged by acclaimed watercolor artist and instructor Dale L. Popovich, who brings more than 45 years of professional experience and a longtime connection to Wisconsin's Northwoods. In addition to browsing the gallery, visitors will have the chance to take a piece of Northwoods creativity home. A silent auction will feature original artwork donated by league members, with all proceeds directly supporting the league's Young Artist Scholarship Program. For the upcoming school year, the program awarded $26,000 to local students. The scholarship area stretches as far south as Tomahawk, where two local students received awards. Following the private patron's preview last night, the Art Show is open to the public starting today through Sunday. Admission is free.

Published on 07/15/2026 under News Today is July 15, or 7/15, a date that doubles as a celebration of Wisconsin's scenic Northwoods and the vibrant communities that call the 715 area code home. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce is marking 715 Day by highlighting everything that makes the region so special, from its scenic landscapes and rich community traditions to its local businesses and residents. Chamber Director Charis Lau says, "715 Day is about celebrating the pride we have in our community and sharing that pride with others." How to ParticipateThe Chamber offers several easy ways for the community to get involved today: Support Local: Shop, dine, and explore the independent businesses that keep Tomahawk thriving.Show Your Pride: Represent the area by sporting custom 715 Tomahawk merchandise.Share the Love: Highlight your favorite local spots and scenic views on social media.Join the Chamber's 715 Photo Contest by submitting pictures that capture the true spirit of the Tomahawk area.Lau added, "Whether you've called Tomahawk home for decades or you're discovering the Northwoods for the first time, we hope you'll join us in celebrating what makes our corner of the 715 so unforgettable." The Chamber encourages everyone to follow along on social media throughout July as they continue to showcase featured attractions, hidden gems, local stories, and photo contest submissions all month long.

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