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Wisconsin Utility Disconnection Moratorium Ends Thursday Published on 04/12/2021 under News

For the first time in more than 18 months, Wisconsin residents may be at risk of utility disconnection starting later this week.

Last month, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin voted to allow the state's residential disconnection moratorium to expire. That deadline is coming up on Thursday. The law prevents utilities from disconnecting residential power between November and April. Due to the pandemic, the PSC kept the moratorium in place the entire year.

Wisconsin Public Service says disconnection is always a last resort. Via news release they said that less than 1% of customers are at risk of disconnection. They encouraged anyone behind on their bills to work out a payment plan.

More customers may qualify for energy assistance this year through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). To apply online go to energybenefit.wi.gov or to apply by phone call 1-800-506-5596, or go to homeenergyplus.wi.gov or call 1-866-HEAT WIS to find out where to apply in person .

In Other News

Tomahawk Public Library Welcomes Smokey Bear for Birthday Celebration, Wildfire Prevention

Published on 08/05/2026 under News Smokey Bear is celebrating another birthday, and the Tomahawk Public Library helped mark the occasion with one of its annual summer traditions. As part of the library's weekly Stories by the River program, Smokey Bear made a special appearance Tuesday to meet with children, share wildfire prevention tips and celebrate his 82nd birthday month. While rain forced the event indoors, families still gathered to hear stories and learn about fire safety alongside Smokey and local firefighting partners. Smokey Bear first appeared on August 9, 1944, and has spent more than eight decades reminding Americans about the importance of preventing wildfires. His famous message has evolved from "Only YOU can prevent Forest Fires" to "Only YOU can prevent Wildfires." The Tomahawk Public Library is continuing the celebration throughout August with a Smokey and Friends-themed Bingo Reading and Activity Challenge, giving young readers another chance to learn about conservation and fire safety while enjoying books and activities.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News A planned road construction project in Lincoln County has been moved up on the calendar and will begin later this month. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced upcoming work on Highway 17 between WIS 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek in the Town of Merrill. Crews will remove and replace the existing pavement while also modifying the geometry of the County G and County C intersections. According to the announcement, the project was originally scheduled for next year but was bumped up due to deteriorating road conditions. During construction, WIS 17 will be closed to traffic, with a detour posted. An updated project timeline was not immediately available.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News Travelers in North Central Wisconsin will have to wait a little longer for a new flight option out of Mosinee. United Airlines has delayed the launch of its planned service between Central Wisconsin Airport and Chicago O'Hare. The airline originally planned to start flights this year. Airport officials say the decision is due to Federal Aviation Administration capacity limits at O'Hare, which have now been extended through October 2027. Those restrictions are capping new flights across United's network, affecting several regional airports throughout the Midwest. Officials said the delay is strictly an operational issue in Chicago, and not a lack of demand here at home. United says it remains committed to the Mosinee market and plans to launch the nonstop Chicago route as soon as those limits lift, tentatively set for November 2027. When United does take off at CWA, it will restore a route that ended in early 2022. It will also bring the airport back to offering all three major legacy carriers—United, American, and Delta—giving local travelers far more connection options worldwide.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News Tomahawk residents will once again have the chance to meet local first responders and enjoy a family-friendly evening as National Night Out returns to Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday. National Night Out is part of a nationwide campaign spanning more than four decades aimed at strengthening relationships between community members and public safety agencies. Two years ago, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce led the effort to bring the campaign to the area. Now in its third year, the local event continues to grow, featuring more than 20 interactive booths with obstacle courses, bounce houses, coloring stations, games, and activities for all ages. Attendees can also meet members of local law enforcement, fire crews, and EMS. Tomahawk Chamber Director Charis Lau says the event's success is made possible by strong support from local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members. Proceeds from the first two years have been donated to Tomahawk's volunteer fire departments to support their work in the area. Beyond public safety agencies, several other community groups and organizations will be present, including the WJJQ booth, along with a variety of local food vendors. National Night Out is free to attend and runs from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at Veterans Memorial Park.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News One person is dead and another is in custody following a single-vehicle rollover early Saturday morning in Taylor County. According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, first responders were dispatched shortly after 1:00 a.m. to Highway 73 in the Town of Aurora. Investigators say the vehicle left the roadway and entered the ditch before re-entering the highway, rolling over, and coming to rest in the middle of the road. Authorities identified the victim as 36-year-old Nathan Burke of Black River Falls, who was ejected from the vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries. The second occupant, 45-year-old Bradley Olson, also of Black River Falls, was treated for injuries before being taken into custody on drug-related charges. Investigators noted that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation and was the first of two fatal crashes in Taylor County within a few hours of each other early Saturday morning.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a multi-vehicle crash involving a house being transported along a Taylor County road early Saturday morning. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office reported that the crash occurred just after 3:00 a.m. on County Highway O near Oak Drive in the Town of Holway. According to investigators, a tractor pulling a house westbound was struck on the corner by an oncoming eastbound car. The car traveled beneath the house structure and collided with a pickup truck following behind the load. The driver of the car, 19-year-old Dylan Mickelson of Abbotsford, died at the scene. His passenger was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Authorities stated that the tractor operator and the pickup driver, both men from Thorp, were uninjured. The Wisconsin State Patrol is assisting with the ongoing investigation. This was the second of two fatal crashes in Taylor County occurring within a few hours of each other early Saturday.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News Members of the Merrill Fire Department recently traveled south to Wisconsin Rapids for a special assignment. Year-round, firefighters from across Wisconsin donate their time to keep the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial pristine. Volunteers assist with mowing, landscaping, and maintenance around the park grounds and museum. This past week was Merrill's turn to step up. A team of current firefighters, department retirees, and family members made the trip to lend a hand. In a message thanking the crew, memorial organizers noted that their hard work ensures the grounds remain a dignified, beautiful place to honor Wisconsin's fallen heroes. The project hits close to home for Merrill firefighters. Former Chief Adlord Talbot, who led the department in the 1930s and '40s, is among those honored at the memorial.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News The Kwahamot Water Ski Team is helping introduce the next generation to the sport in Tomahawk. With the team's competition season complete, dozens of young skiers have spent the past several days learning the basics during the club's annual youth ski camp. Organizers say many participants got up on water skis for the very first time. Ahead of tonight's regular Ski Show, the public will have a chance to see what the campers have learned during a Junior Show Tuesday evening at 6:30 in Kwahamot Bay. The free performance will showcase the new skills the young skiers have developed over the course of the camp while giving family, friends, and the community a chance to cheer them on.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News Fair season is in full swing, and one of the oldest and largest in the area kicks off today. The Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau got underway a bit earlier this morning. Over the past few weeks, organizers have been preparing Marathon Park for the tens of thousands of fair-goers expected over the next six days. The fair is rich in history, this marks the 158th edition. All the classic fair elements will also be back from fried food and carnival games to rides and 4-H exhibits. Many pick their date to attend the fair based on the grandstand performance. Those performances kick off this evening with Chris Janson. Another country act follows Wednesday with Shenandoah. On Thursday rockers Skillet will take to the stage. Musicians will give way to cowboys and cowgirls with a rodeo on Friday and Saturday. The Fair will wrap up on Sunday matinee demolition derby. The Wisconsin Valley Fair runs through Sunday.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News A Merrill man is facing charges after deputies clocked a UTV traveling nearly double the speed limit over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a deputy pulled over a UTV Saturday on County Highway C and Norwegian Road in the Town of Merrill after catching it traveling 64 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone. The deputy noted signs of impairment, but the driver refused to perform field sobriety tests. After obtaining a blood draw warrant, deputies arrested the driver for operating a UTV while intoxicated. According to the report, the man was initially uncooperative until the threat of further charges. He was later released to a responsible party. A couple of other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report… A Milwaukee woman was arrested for 1st offense OWI following a traffic stop in Tomahawk. Charges have been recommended following an investigation into a domestic disturbance in southern Lincoln County which turned physical. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions fell significantly with just 3 reported this past week.

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