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Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Supports Evers Budget Published on 02/22/2021 under News

Governor Evers' budget proposal has received support from a group focused on rural schools in the state.

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance released a statement Friday praising the spending proposal, specifically highlighting the focus on education and broadband expansion. In addition to a general increase in state aid to schools, Evers' also proposed a boost to funding in categories such as sparsity aid which benefit smaller, rural schools.

The alliance wrote, "We commend the Governor's proposal and ask the legislature to take the time to review this closely and see how many of the points clearly aligns with many bi-partisan initiatives already being discussed."

They also encouraged legislators to meet with local school leaders, teachers students and school boards to see how the proposal will positively impact all children.

The state school funding formula has led to numerous Northwoods school districts operating under referendums including Rhinelander, Merrill, and Northland Pines. Tomahawk is also utilizing a referendum set to expire this year. They've made another spending request which will appear on the April ballot.

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance was created to address the unique issues affecting rural schools in Wisconsin.

In Other News

Nokomis Fire Department Trains with New Battery-Powered Emergency Tools

Published on 08/11/2026 under News The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department spent Monday evening getting hands-on training with some new gear. Firefighters put a new suite of Milwaukee M18 battery-powered tools to the test—practicing cutting and breaching through metal, wood, drywall, and other materials they routinely hit during rescue calls. The new lineup includes everything from reciprocating saws, circular saws, and cutoff grinders to job-site lighting, high-velocity fans, impact wrenches, and drills. Department officials say the equipment was funded entirely by the community, thanks to local fundraisers and generous local donations. Leaders expressed their deep gratitude to the community, noting these versatile tools will help ensure crew members are better prepared for whatever call comes next.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News An ATV rider was injured over the weekend in a rollover crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were dispatched Saturday to the trail shelter at County Highway B and Ski Hill Road in the Town of Harrison. There, crews met a group of off-roaders who were transporting the injured driver off the trail. Investigators learned the group had been riding together and planned to meet at the trailhead. When two ATVs failed to arrive, other riders turned back to search for them. They found that one of the machines in their party had crashed and rolled over, injuring the operator. The group loaded the driver onto another vehicle and transported them off the trail to the awaiting EMS. An ambulance then took the rider to Aspirus Merrill Hospital for treatment. No update on the condition of the operator was provided.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News An unmarked Wisconsin State Patrol vehicle was involved in a collision in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of County Highway Q and Joe Snow Road following reports of a two-vehicle crash this past week. An investigation revealed that the unmarked State Patrol unit was traveling northbound on CTH Q, approaching Joe Snow Road. At the same time, a second vehicle was stopped at the stop sign on eastbound Joe Snow Road. The driver told deputies she waited for a car to pass and then pulled into the intersection, failing to see the oncoming patrol unit. Her vehicle struck the driver's side door of the State Patrol car, forcing the squad car off the roadway and into the ditch. Neither the state trooper nor the other driver reported injuries at the scene.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Tomahawk Main Street is being recognized for their ongoing organizational efforts. The local downtown organization has earned Gold Tier status in the latest accreditation from the Wisconsin Main Street Program. It's the second consecutive year Tomahawk has received the distinction. Gold Tier recognizes Main Street organizations that go above and beyond standards for downtown revitalization, community engagement and organizational performance. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the recognition is a testament to the work of the organization's board, volunteers, donors, sponsors and downtown business members. That includes going above and beyond the outlined requirements. She says one example is board participation. State guidelines require at least 75 percent of board members to take part in Main Street training, but all of Tomahawk's board members completed coursework this past year. She also highlighted efforts such the honor banners, downtown flower baskets, and community events. Beyond the recognition, Turkiewicz says the Gold Tier designation also provides access to additional resources and professional assistance for the organization. She points to state-supported help with Tomahawk's downtown rebranding and landscape architecture work for the planned five-block streetscape project. Those resources can save the community tens of thousands of dollars while helping move downtown projects forward. Tomahawk is one of just 13 communities statewide to earn Gold Tier status this year.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Drivers in the town of Harrison will need to plan for a detour starting this week as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that County Highway D will be closed between Wagonmaker Lane and Mail Route Road for a culvert and bridge replacement over Big Pine Creek. The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, August 10th at 7:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude on Thursday, August 20th. There is an election exception...crews will have County D open Tuesday to accommodate voters for the Wisconsin Primary. Following election day, the road will close again through August 20th so crews can complete the replacement project. Motorists who regularly travel through the township of Harrison are encouraged to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the construction period.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News In the wake of last month's severe storms, Governor Tony Evers has officially declared a period of economic disruption for four Wisconsin counties to protect residents recovering from extensive weather damage. The declaration applies to Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest, and Vilas counties. While the hardest-hit areas included the Fox Valley—where a powerful EF3 tornado tore through Appleton, Neenah/Menasha, the severe storm path stretched much farther north impacting Forest and Vilas counties which were also included in the declaration. Under Governor Evers' executive order, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now directed to strictly enforce anti-price-gouging measures. The rules prohibit merchants from inflating prices on daily necessities, repair materials, and emergency lodging. The Governor says, "These protections are essential to ensure that families and business owners rebuilding their lives aren't taken advantage of during an already difficult time." The emergency protections are effective immediately across all four impacted counties, and are set to expire in 45 days.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News As students head back to school this fall, a new state report highlights the strong impact local technical colleges continue to have on both graduates and employers. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System, employers overwhelmingly praise the quality of technical college training, with the vast majority indicating they are eager to hire WTCS graduates and rely on these institutions to support their business success. The statewide system includes 16 technical colleges, featuring Nicolet College in Rhinelander and Wausau-based Northcentral Technical College, which has several campuses in the region. The latest graduate outcomes report found 92 percent of graduates seeking employment did so within six months of graduation. And 97 percent of employers are satisfied with the education of their technical college graduates WTCS officials say these strong results stem from close partnerships between technical colleges and local industry leaders, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and the skilled trades. Importantly for local communities, many graduates choose to stay and work nearby, serving as a reliable talent pipeline to help meet ongoing workforce needs.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Rhinelander High School graduates from across the decades filled downtown Rhinelander Saturday for the school's annual all-class reunion. While most class reunions bring together graduates from a single year, the Rhinelander event welcomes all former Hodags. Hosted by the Hodag Schools Foundation, the reunion brings alumni together downtown for an afternoon and evening of food, conversation and festivities. Portions of the downtown streets were blocked off for tents and activities as green-clad graduates gathered to catch up with old classmates and make new connections with fellow Rhinelander High School alumni. Organizers say the event is about more than reconnecting with people from the past it's also a chance to meet others who share the common bond of being a Rhinelander High School graduate. This year marked the 12th annual all-class reunion, with sunny summer weather helping draw alumni out to celebrate their shared Hodag heritage.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Kids in Lincoln County have a chance to learn the basics of fishing at a special hands-on event coming up this evening in Merrill. Council Grounds State Park is hosting a Kids Learn to Fish Program from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. today. The class is part of the Wisconsin DNR's statewide "OutWiGo" initiative, which promotes outdoor recreation across state properties. Designed specifically for children ages 6 to 10, the workshop will walk young anglers through the fundamentals of shore fishing. Participants don't need to bring their own tackle, fishing gear will be provided on-site through equipment from the park and the T.B. Scott Free Library's "Library of Things." Experienced anglers from the Friends of Council Grounds State Park will also be on hand to assist and offer tips for beginners. The class itself is free to attend, though a standard vehicle park sticker is required for entry.

Published on 08/07/2026 under News A Tomahawk manufacturer is permanently closing its doors, resulting in the loss of more than 75 local jobs. According to a notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Samuel Pressure Vessel Group will permanently close its facility in Tomahawk. The closure process began this week, and all employees are expected to be laid off by the end of the year. The company says all 76 affected workers have been notified that their job losses are permanent. Wisconsin's Dislocated Worker Program is expected to step in to assist affected staff with job placement, career counseling, and retraining resources. According to the filing, the entire Tomahawk operation will shut down. Samuel Pressure Vessel Group specializes in fabricating metal containers and pressure vessels for industrial and commercial use. According to the company's website, they operate four other facilities across North America, including one in Marinette, Wisconsin.

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