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Fatal Snowmobile Crash in Iron County Published on 02/23/2021 under News

One person is dead following a snowmobile crash in Iron County over the weekend.

According to a news release from the Iron County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened Saturday night at shortly after 11pm on a road in the Town of Knight. The initial report was for a snowmobiler that left the roadway and struck a tree.

Responders found the operator unresponsive and life-saving measures were unsuccessful. The victim, a 51 year old male, died at the scene. His name was not immediately released.

According to the DNR, this marks the 10th fatal snowmobile crash in Wisconsin this riding season. Four have occurred in Iron County. Eight of the ten crashes have involved the operator leaving their route and striking tree.

In Other News

Kwahamots Competing at State Show Ski Championships

Published on 07/18/2025 under News Around two dozen of top water ski teams in Wisconsin are competing for state championships this weekend, with several local favorites in the mix. Wisconsin Rapids is once again hosting all three divisions of the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships on Lake Wazeecha. The competition actually got underway Thursday with some individual events like freestyle jumping, swivel ski, and doubles. That all leads into the team competition which kicks off bright and early Friday morning. Each team gets an hour to put on a show. Competitors are judged in twelve categories such as showmanship, difficulty, boat driving, announcing, and overall performance. The Northwoods will be well represented throughout the weekend. While they're used to skiing in the evenings, the Tomahawk-based Kwahamots hit the water Friday morning. On Saturday, both the Plum Ski-ters and the Chain Skimmers of Conover compete. The teams continue into Sunday with division 1. That's followed by awards, and we'll share the results as we receive them.*Due to this weekend's competition, the Kwahamots will not be holding their regular Saturday show.

Published on 07/18/2025 under News A group of kids here in Tomahawk have been using their summer vacation to get a crash course in acting. While the Tomahawk Community Theater is best known for their traditional adult plays held in the fall, the organization has been busy in recent weeks with another Children's Summer Workshop. This will be their third youth production. The goal was to offer an opportunity for kids in the community to experience the fine arts at a young age. The two week camp is designed for upper elementary and middle school aged kids with more than a dozen in the cast and crew. They've also partnered with the Tomahawk High School Drama Department for student instructors. And in just two short weeks, the kids are already set for the stage with a public performance this evening. Superheroes dominate the box office, and the local kids will provide an alternative take on the genre. The one-act play Supervillians Anonymous offers a comedic look at the big bads of their fictional city as they form a support group. It's a limited run, one night only and coming up this evening at 6pm in the Tomahawk School auditorium.

Published on 07/18/2025 under News Over the next few weeks, drivers in the Nokomis area won't be able to reach Highway 51 from County L due to a bridge construction project. As of Friday, the Bearskin Creek Bridge is closed and a detour in place. The Bearskin Creek bridge is located at the far northern end of County L, near the Highway 51 intersection. It is a full bridge closure, so motorists will need to find an alternative route. The detour sends motorists onto Highway 51 and Highway 8. The rest of County L will remain open. Most properties and businesses are located south of the bridge. The goal is to finish this phase of the project by late August or early September. And later this fall, they'll resurface all of Oneida County L.

Published on 07/18/2025 under News A planned housing project is looking to tackle the issue of Veteran homelessness in the Northwoods. Coming up this weekend, they're partnering with a local business for a backyard BBQ fundraiser. The Northwoods Veterans Homestead is tiny house project being planned in the Rhinelander area. We were recently joined by Carla Ruskinen, who serves as the VP of the organization, along with Gail Youngs from the Butcher and the Baker. While previous reports estimate more than 300 unhoused veterans living in Wisconsin, Ruskinen says that number is likely higher. And many of the organizations and outreach to address the issue is based in larger cities. A lack of support in the area led to the Northwoods Veteran's Homestead. The goal is to build a small development with 16 tiny houses surrounding a community center. They would also offer resources and programs to help get the veterans back on their feet. Ruskinen says they've been in communication with a similar veterans tiny home community in the Racine area that has been successful. They've already purchased the land east of Rhinelander. Now they're fundraising to cover the estimated $3 million cost. That's where Youngs comes in. Her two sons and a daughter-in-law have served. That provided the veteran connection. She also admitted her own personal obsession with tiny houses in general. While not everyone can write out a large check, she noted they can purchase a plate of food and few raffle tickets. Gail and husband Mark will be utilizing their culinary skills to offer smoked brisket, pork and classic BBQ sides. In addition to the food, they'll also have live entertainment, family activities, and generous raffle baskets. That entire conversation is available in the WJJQ audio center, or simply stop by the Butcher and the Baker out in Brantwood on Saturday afternoon.

Published on 07/18/2025 under News A Tomahawk area church recently relocated to a long-vacant building, and coming up this weekend, they're inviting the community to check out the new space. It's been about a month since the Rock Church moved into the former Lincoln Industries building on Kaphaem Road. Before that, they had been renting the banquet hall at SARA Park for their services.We were recently joined by Pastor Barry Rudesill and Kristie Davis to discuss their upcoming open house. The church actually purchased the location from the City of Tomahawk. The Finance Committee put out a call for potential buyers to pitch their ideas for the building. At the April meeting, members of the Rock Church offered their vision, a faith-based community space. It was the lone offer and the city approved the sale. Davis gave credit to a higher power for answering their call. The building had been vacant for about seven years, and wasn't designed as a church. That left plenty of work, yet they put out an ambitious goal, hosting their first service over Father's Day weekend. That left the team with about six weeks. Pastor Barry called it an amazing experience watching everyone get involved, but he joked that he would never set that timeline again. The congregation pitched in, some with applicable experience, others simply a good heart and a willingness to work. Now that they've been settled in for a few weeks, They wanted to invite the community to see their new space. Davis noted their goal is for the building to become a seven-day-a-week facility focused on family and community. They'll be hosting an open house on Sunday from noon to 3pm including treats, activities, a chance to meet the people and check out the building including a transformation video they made from recordings made during the construction.

Published on 07/18/2025 under News We could all use a little more sleep in our lives. A local health care provider was recently recognized for their sleep lab. Howard Young Medical Center Sleep Lab in Woodruff recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). It's actually 10 consecutive years they've received the distinction, demonstrating its commitment to the provision of high-quality care for people who have sleep problems. They diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Facility manage Gary Nikolai says, "If you or a loved one is experiencing excessive tiredness or frequent snoring, it may be time to talk with your primary care provider about the benefits of a sleep study." To receive and maintain accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The AASM has began their accreditation in 1977.

Published on 07/17/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk has been around for more than 130 years. Coming up this weekend, a guided walking tour of the downtown district will give people a fun and informational peek into the past. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Historical Society are teaming up to bring back another edition of the Toma-Walk on Saturday morning. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz is helping organize the event and will also be one of the presenters. She says that the city has a rich history and this is a way to learn about a few of the many people and events that helped shaped the community. There were a few editions of the tour a decade ago. After fading away for a few years, the Toma-Walk returned last summer with positive reception. To keep things fresh, Turkiewicz noted they'll mix some new stories into this year's tour. They've planned a half dozen stops along Main Street, each with stories and history such as the Bradley Bank Robbery. The presenters often portray the past figures. And Turkiewicz even teased an introduction in the portrayal of city-founder William Bradley. The Toma-Walk is free though donations will go to support their efforts for a historical marker on the Main Street Boulevard. They'll begin at the west end of Main Street (outside Auntie Ems). Meet at 10am, the program begins at 10:30am and takes about an hour.

Published on 07/17/2025 under News A Merrill man charged in a roadside knife attack last fall has been ordered to serve nearly 4 years in prison. Bradley Labarge was back in Lincoln County Court Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. The 32 year old was arrested last October following an altercation along Corning Road in the Town of Corning. Investigators said Labarge was following a vehicle with an ex-girlfriend and another man. The incident escalated outside the vehicle and Labarge cut the other man with a utility knife. Labarge was initially facing a half dozen charges. Last week, he pleaded guilty to two: 1st degree reckless injury with the use of a dangerous weapon and resisting or obstructing an officer. In exchange, 4 other charges were dismissed including attempted homicide. According to court records, at yesterday's hearing, Labarge was sentenced to serve three years and nine months in prison followed by nine years extended supervision. He was credited with 270 days of time served. Labarge was also ordered to pay the victim around $3,000 in restitution and write a letter of apology.

Published on 07/17/2025 under News Last month citizen scientists took part in the first of two statewide bat counts this summer. A follow up is coming this weekend. According to the DNR more than 150 people submitted data after observing bat roosts in the Great Wisconsin Bat Count in June. According to the update, they counted more than 15,000 bats emerging from bat houses, barns and other roosting locations. Roost monitoring helps bat biologists understand the impacts of disease on hibernating bat populations. And there was some positive findings in the June report. More little brown bats were counted than any previous June survey, including before white-nose syndrome arrived in the state. Another species, the tri-colored bat, was observed at two roosts including one where bats hadn't been seen in years. The June survey was conducted during what is known as the pre-volancy period. That's before baby bats, known as pups, can fly. They'll be back out this coming weekend for another survey that will include the newly-flying juveniles. People can get involved in future surveys by visiting their website. You'll also find information on making properties more bat-friendly including bat houses or bat condos.

Published on 07/17/2025 under News The City of Rhinelander has been exploring locations for a new municipal well including a site at the Nicolet campus. They'll have to look elsewhere. Earlier this week, Nicolet College notified the City of Rhinelander that it declined the city's proposal to install a municipal well on Nicolet College's campus. Nicolet College provided some additional details in a news release. In a letter to the City Administrator, Nicolet College noted that the proposal was carefully considered by the Nicolet College Board of Trustees and college leadership. Research included a community listening session, a peer review of the project's environmental impact, and consultation with legal counsel. The board cited concerns about the high degree of uncertainty about the extent of the potential environmental impact on nearby marshland, private wells, and lakes. Additionally, the board encouraged the city to evaluate more long-term, sustainable initiatives, such as water treatment for contaminants and water conservation planning. The college expressed its appreciation for its ongoing partnership with the city on initiatives that support their shared communities.

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