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Tomahawk Approves 2021 Spring Fling, Music on the River Published on 03/03/2021 under News

While dozens of community events were canceled last year due to covid, Tomahawk's summer could show a bit more normalcy in 2021.

At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved special event applications for Music on the River and the Tomahawk Main Street Spring Fling and Wine Walk. Music on the River is scheduled for six Wednesdays between June 23 and July 28th. The Spring Fling is May 7-8th.

Each application was approved with the understanding that the organizers would follow any covid safety measures in place at the time of their events. Outside of the additional coronavirus precautions, the events will be largely be the same as year's past.

At their meeting last month, the Council approved Chamber applications for the July 3rd Arts and Crafts Fair, the Fall Ride Bon Fire and Brat Fry, and the Venison Feed.

With precedent already set, the Council approved last night's applications for the Wine Walk and Music on the River unanimously and with minimal discussion.

It was an otherwise routine night of meetings for the city of Tomahawk...

At the Health and Safety Committee, members had a brief conversation on the ~$8,000 Rainy Day Fund for the Downtown Fall Ride. That fund had been passed from the Tavern League to the VFW as those groups organized the downtown events in years past. The VFW proposed the city manage the funds going forward. The Committee ultimately determined that funds should be managed by whichever non-profit is organizing the downtown Fall Ride events, currently Tomahawk Main Street. The Committee voted against taking over the fund, leaving it with the organizers.

The Finance Committee approved acquiring a tax delinquent property on East Somo Avenue from the county. That vacant structure will likely be demolished and sold to get it back on the tax roll. Two other properties will likely appear on the agenda in April.

The Council only had a few other action items, approving new alcohol and tobacco licenses for three gas station/convenience stores that have recently undergone ownership changes.

In Other News

Tomahawk Kinship: Director Patti Hilgendorf Planning Retirement

Published on 10/27/2026 under News After nearly three decades of guiding youth mentoring in Tomahawk, a familiar face at Kinship is preparing to pass the torch. Patti Hilgendorf joined our Monday Morning Conversation to share her plans to step down as Executive Director of Kinship of Tomahawk in the coming year, capping off nearly three decades of service that began at the organization's founding. Under Hilgendorf's guidance, Kinship grew from a basic mentor-matching service to a comprehensive community program offering after-school care, tutoring, and life skills. The organization experienced a similar transformation in its location, starting in a small, windowless office before moving into the Kinship House, and ultimately its new downtown facility last year. Hilgendorf says the timing is right as she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with her grandchildren. However, she plans to stay closely involved with Kinship and will assist her successor throughout the leadership transition. "I'm still around, but it's time to step back a little bit," Hilgendorf said. "I will always be involved—it is my passion." As the organization prepares for its 30th anniversary in January, Kinship's Board of Directors is actively recruiting for the Executive Director position as well as a part-time Administrative Assistant. You can listen to our full Monday Morning Conversation with Patti Hilgendorf in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Lincoln County is home to more than 700 lakes and 650 miles of rivers and streams, and local officials are taking steps to ensure ongoing water protection programs continue into next year. At its meeting this past week, the Lincoln County Board unanimously approved three annual resolutions related to state grant applications and local stakeholder matching funds. Conservation Program Manager Tom Boisvert presented an overview of the measures, which include renewed funding requests through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network. If awarded, the recurring grant dollars will sustain and expand local educational outreach, aquatic invasive species prevention, and shoreline restoration projects across the county. A third resolution formalized local matching pledges required for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant. Under state guidelines, local partners must cover a 25 percent cost share. Stakeholders stepping up to provide those annual matching funds include the Lake Nokomis Lake District, Friends of Lake Mohawksin, and the Spirit Reservoir Association. If both annual grant applications are awarded for the full amount, Lincoln County will secure up to $30,000 in combined state and local funding to maintain its water conservation efforts.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Volunteers in Minocqua came together over the weekend to cross a major milestone in the fight against food insecurity. More than 500 community members gathered at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday for the 18th annual Food for Kidz meal-packing event, hosted by the Lakeland-Area Lions Club. Working across two high-energy, two-hour assembly shifts, a crew of 506 packagers, alongside table hosts, restockers, and setup crews, packed 690 cases totaling nearly 220,000 meals. Organizers say those results officially pushed the event's lifetime impact past 3.1 million meals packaged over its 18-year history in the Northwoods. The packaged meals will now be distributed to roughly two dozen local food pantries, shelters, and school backpack programs, with additional meals going to broader relief efforts across the country and overseas.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News The homicide trial against an 18-year-old charged in the fatal attack of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor enters its final stretch today in Lincoln County Circuit Court. Javarius Hurd is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by a prisoner in the June 2024 death of 49-year-old Corey Proulx. Prosecutors say Proulx suffered fatal head injuries after pursuing Hurd into an outdoor courtyard following an initial assault on another staff member. The trial began last Tuesday with opening statements. After a week of testimony, both the prosecution and defense rested Monday afternoon. Hurd did not testify in the trial. Closing arguments are set for this morning, after which the case will go to the jury for deliberations. If convicted on all charges, Hurd faces up to 60 years in prison.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Early voting and absentee balloting remain underway across Wisconsin, with thousands of Northwoods residents having already cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming fall election. Many voters continue to utilize absentee ballots by mail or early in-person voting, which opened last week at local municipal clerks' offices. According to daily statistics from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, as of Monday, more than 440,000 state residents had already voted. Local clerks report a steady stream of early voters as well, with state data showing roughly 1,500 early votes cast in Lincoln County, 2,000 in Vilas County, and 2,800 in Oneida County. Election Day is next Tuesday. Voters can visit myvote.wi.gov for election information including sample ballots.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while regular screening mammograms are essential, getting called back for additional imaging can cause immediate anxiety. To help patients navigate that uncertainty, Aspirus Health relies on a dedicated team of "Nurse Navigators" to provide personalized guidance, care coordination, and emotional support. From explaining pathology and testing procedures to coordinating care across the health system, Nurse Navigators serve as an expert, ongoing resource. Aspirus Nurse Navigator Stephanie Ostrowski says, "Health care is complicated, and a lot of patients are overwhelmed. We're here to support patients, help them understand what's happening, and make sure they don't feel lost in the system." The navigation service is available at no cost to patients across the entire Aspirus network.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is in Washington DC, today to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. Today's mission marks the 58th overall for the Wausau-based Never Forgotten Honor Flight. It features 98 veterans from across North Central Wisconsin, including 96 Vietnam-era veterans, one Korean War veteran, and one World War II veteran. That WWII Vet is Paul Donatell of Cumberland, Wisconsin; who is 101 years old. He is actually the second centenarian to fly with the organization this year. The roster also highlights strong local representation, including 10 veterans each from Lincoln and Oneida counties. This is the fourth and final flight planned for the year. Dating back to 2010, the hub has transported 5,482 local veterans to the nation's capital. The public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm. Organizers continue to encourage any area veteran who served in the U.S. military in any capacity prior to May 7, 1975, and has not yet participated, to submit an application.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Two influential figures in Merrill's history are being remembered following a pair of street sign dedications over the weekend. The City of Merrill Historic Preservation Committee unveiled two honorary street markers celebrating local leaders near the sites of their biggest contributions. On Saturday morning, community members gathered at Grand Avenue and North Genesee Street to honor Ralph "Fata" Voigt, Merrill's longest-serving mayor. After serving as a World War II Army lieutenant, Voigt returned home, established an insurance agency, and was elected mayor nine times, serving from 1960 to 1979. He also founded the "Merrill on the Move" initiative to champion local growth. Then on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Steve Hass and family members gathered at West Main and Thomas Streets to unveil a sign for early industrialist Ferdinand Ollhoff. Ollhoff built a major sawmill on North Thomas Street in 1910, providing steady jobs for early settlers in Merrill's Sixth Ward through the Great Depression. Known statewide for his absolute honesty, Ollhoff was recognized by the committee as a foundational builder of early Merrill.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Major changes are coming to a popular Northwoods golf course. Rondele Ranch announced the purchase of Pinewood Golf Club in Harshaw, along with renovation plans for the property. Prior to a 2021 sale, the Bromann family operated Pinewood for six decades. Now, Rondele Ranch is taking the reins to revitalize the course. Owner Bob Chadwell says the purchase is about investing in the region and bringing people together. He added, "We see tremendous potential at Pinewood, and we're excited to help revitalize the course and create a place the community can enjoy for years to come." Among the plans for next year is a brand-new clubhouse, capable of hosting up to 150 guests for weddings and banquets. They also plan to install golf simulators. On the course, plans include a new irrigation system, tee boxes, and cart paths. During work they will use the existing clubhouse and all 18 holes will be open. Day-to-day operations will remain in familiar hands, with General Manager and PGA Pro Kyle Christian and Superintendent Tyler Nehls staying on to lead the team.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News With November right around the corner, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is urging residents to make arrangements ahead of the winter heating disconnection moratorium. During the moratorium, which runs from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting residential customers who fall behind on their bills. While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the service during the winter months, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills and have their service restored by the end of the week. Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Most utilities will also work with their customers to provide payment plans.

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