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Lincoln County Board to Allow Limited Remote Meeting Attendance Published on 07/21/2021 under News

Over the past 16 months the pandemic shifted many meetings online. That's an option that will be sticking around for the Lincoln County Board going forward.

At their meeting last night, the Lincoln County Board amended their general code to allow supervisors to attend a limited number of meetings remotely. It was a change that board chair Kevin Koth, during debate, described as a "move into the 21st century."

The change came as the emergency order in the county is set to expire on Wednesday. The declaration has allowed supervisors to attend and participate in their meetings virtually. While a majority of board members have returned to in-person attendance, meetings have regularly had a handful of remote participants.

As the months carried on, the County has invested in the audio/visual equipment in the County Board meeting room which now includes numerous display screens and multiple camera feeds.

There will be some limitations in the new rules. The initial proposal limited the supervisors to 4 remote meetings per two year term. That was further amended to read that remote attendance could not be four consecutive meetings. The amendment came after discussions using the hypothetical of a supervisor leaving the area during the winter months not being available for their constituents locally.

Another restriction, supervisors attending remotely will not be allowed to participate in closed session sections of meetings.

A proposal to require the use of a video in addition to audio was defeated.

In addition to the full county board meetings, the code was also amended to allow committee meetings to be attended remotely. With the option for the board to meet remotely, it will also provide the opportunity for the public to access the meetings online as well.

The change will put an end to the requirement of three meetings held each year in Tomahawk as that line was eliminated from the county code.

After an hour-long discussion, the board ultimately voted in favor of the amended proposal.

In Other News

Friends of Council Grounds State Park Launch Annual Photo Contest

Published on 07/07/2026 under News From curious critters and scenic landscapes to family fun and outdoor recreation, Council Grounds State Park is the perfect place to snap a memorable photo. Now, the Friends of Council Grounds is asking parkgoers to share their best shots. The volunteer group has launched its annual summer photo contest, a beloved local tradition that has run for over a decade. The rules remain the same as in previous years, with amateur photographers encouraged to submit entries across four distinct categories: plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people enjoying the park. To keep the submissions relatively fresh, organizers are accepting photos taken during both this year and last year. The Friends group will narrow each category down to three finalists, and the public will get to vote online to select the ultimate winners later this summer. The entry window opened on July 1 and runs through July 31. Organizers note they have already received some fantastic early submissions. Complete contest rules, entry forms, and a few helpful photography tips are available on the Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News Voters will get a look at the crowded field of Republican candidates vying for Wisconsin's open 7th Congressional District seat as the contenders face off in their first major televised debate tonight. Four Republican candidates have confirmed their participation: Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, and Niina Baum. The 7th Congressional District is the largest in the state by land area, spanning across the Northwoods and northwestern counties. It is an open seat this year because incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany is vacating the position to run for governor rather than seeking reelection. While the sprawling district was once a reliable Democratic stronghold for decades, Republicans have successfully held the seat since 2011. Tonight's debate, hosted by WJFW Newswatch 12, will air live at 5:00 p.m. on television and stream on the station's website. They will host a separate debate for the Democratic primary candidates next Tuesday, July 14, with both events moderated by anchor Dan Hagen. Wisconsin's partisan primary election is scheduled for August 11, which will determine the final nominees heading into the November general election.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News A Lincoln County judge has ruled that there is enough evidence for a criminal case to proceed against a Wausau man accused of leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit this spring. Nicholas Langston was back in court Monday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. According to court records, the judge found probable cause to bind the case over for trial. Langston subsequently entered a plea of not guilty. He faces more than a dozen charges, including fleeing an officer and second-degree recklessly endangering safety. The charges stem from an incident in late May when the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Langston's vehicle along Highway 51 near Tomahawk. According to investigators, Langston fled north, reaching speeds of up to 130 mph before the pursuing deputy ended the chase due to safety concerns. Langston was located and arrested a short time later. Future court dates have not yet been scheduled.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Another successful Powwow Days celebration in Tomahawk is in the books, featuring a full day of activities ranging from record-setting race numbers to an exciting fireworks show. Here are a few final notes from event organizers to put a bow on the Fourth of July festivities. Record-Breaking Race Turnout: Starting with the Powwow Days 5K, 10K, and Fun Run—the event continues to grow in popularity. In fact, organizers say they saw a record 738 racers take part this year. Parade Highlights and Winners: As for the parade, the big highlight was the F-35 flyover. While the jet was a bit delayed, it was well worth the wait as it roared up Main Street to the excitement of everyone in attendance. While there were many fantastic entries this year, a few stood out to the judges' panel. In all, nine winners were named across four categories—many of whom are frequent guests right here on WJJQ.Organizations: Hope Beyond 21 took the top spot. We've been following their new organizational efforts to support families of children with Down syndrome. Runners-up included the Summer Knights Car Club and Tomahawk Kinship.Merchants: Tomahawk Main Street took first place, followed by Hometown Christmas and LP.Youth Groups: First place went to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo, followed by the Cub Scouts.Clowns and Other: The Will Garske Group took home the top prize. Lions Club Raffle: Additionally, the Tomahawk Lions Club held its annual Powwow Days raffle, handing out more than $6,000 in cash payouts. The top prize winners included Sandy Theis ($1,500), Kevin Imm ($1,000), and Mike Kahle ($750). (Other winners include: Ken Schulz-$500; Marion Peil-$250; Kelly Nelson-$200; Suzy Skees-$200; Mike and Steve Rozinski-$200; Sue Buchannan-$200; Bob and Pam Barnetzke-$200; Chris Theiler-$200; Monica Busterud-$200; Kelly Nelson-$200; Connie Norgren-$200; Mike Volkers-$200; Pam Leist-$100; Tom Loka-$100; Al Berghammer-$100) On behalf of everyone here at WJJQ, a special thank you goes out to all of the organizers, businesses, volunteers, and community members who came out to Tomahawk over the weekend to make it a holiday to remember.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A lake home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire over the holiday weekend. The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched Sunday at just before 3:45 p.m. to a home on Ackerman Road with the fire spreading into the nearby woods. When crews arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home, along with a brush fire burning along the roadside. Firefighters quickly contained the brush fire to prevent it from spreading, but hot, humid conditions and the home's location created additional challenges. An excavator to help extinguish the remaining hot spots. No one was home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. The home was declared a total loss. While a cause wasn't immediately determined, officials say the fire appears to have been accidental. Mutual aid was provided by several area fire departments, including Tomahawk, Pine River, Corning, Russell, Riverside, Little Rice and the Wisconsin DNR, along with multiple EMS agencies and other local responders.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While many Fourth of July celebrations ended with fireworks, the pyrotechnics also kept Northwoods firefighters busy. The Pine Lake Fire Department answered two back-to-back calls Friday night. The first came in around 11 p.m. on Nature Road, where a firework had ignited the base of a tree. Bystanders managed to extinguish the flames with a garden hose before firefighters arrived. Crews then used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was completely out before clearing the scene. Shortly after firefighters returned to the station they were dispatched again, this time to the Town of Pelican to assist with a boat fire on Lake George. Officials say the boat caught fire while anchored offshore after being used to launch fireworks. By the time crews arrived, the fire had burned through the anchor line, causing the boat to drift away. Firefighters used rescue boats, as well as a neighbor's pontoon, to reach the burning vessel, put out the fire, and tow it back to shore. Crews remained on the scene for about two hours. These incidents serve as a timely reminder to properly dispose of used fireworks and keep a close watch for any smoldering debris after holiday celebrations.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Patients in the Tomahawk area will have easier access to advanced diagnostic imaging with the addition of weekly mobile MRI services at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Beginning this month, the mobile MRI unit will be available every Thursday from 12:30 to 4:15 p.m., allowing patients to receive scans closer to home rather than traveling to other communities. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs, tissues and other structures inside the body. The technology helps physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions without exposing patients to radiation. Regional Director of Imaging Services Rick Mai says offering MRI services locally will make it more convenient for patients while helping providers diagnose and treat medical conditions more quickly. The mobile unit is part of a coordinated schedule serving Aspirus hospitals across northern Wisconsin. The mobile MRI availability is shared by Aspirus Tomahawk and Eagle River Hospitals, as well as Howard Young Medical Center.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A community effort to explore bringing a YMCA to the Lakeland area has cleared an important first hurdle. Organizers say the Together for Tomorrow fundraiser, held June 13, raised more than $100,000 dedicated to funding a feasibility study for a potential YMCA. The fundraiser was a partnership between the YMCA of the Northwoods, Lakeland Fitness and Golf, and Lakeland Generations. YMCA of the Northwoods CEO Linda May says the strong community support reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for youth development, health and wellness, and family programs throughout the region. The feasibility study will examine community needs, possible locations, and the long-term viability of a YMCA in the Lakeland area. Organizers say the findings will help determine the next steps in the planning process.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While summer recreation is still in full swing, it won't be long before the focus shifts to the upcoming fall hunting season. To help hunters prepare, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized its harvest quotas for the year. The Natural Resources Board recently approved the official framework for the 2026 deer hunting season. According to the DNR, antlerless harvest opportunities will vary by individual Deer Management Unit (DMU) to reflect local herd populations. This approach provides expanded harvest opportunities in areas with higher deer numbers while maintaining conservative limits where populations are lower. More than 272,000 bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be issued statewide. While the southern half of the state continues to use county boundaries for its regulations, Northern Wisconsin has shifted entirely to DMUs. In the Northwoods, hunters in DMU 116 will not have any bonus antlerless permits available this year. This zone primarily includes western Oneida County and eastern Price County. The quota follows a recommendation from the local Citizen Deer Advisory Council (CDAC), which based its decision on current deer population goals for the area. Bonus antlerless authorizations will go on sale beginning Monday, Aug. 17.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News One of the Northwoods' biggest Independence Day traditions returns this weekend as Tomahawk celebrates Pow-Wow Days. For generations, the annual celebration has drawn thousands of people to Tomahawk for family activities, food, and entertainment. With most of the action happening on Saturday, the Tomahawk Lions Club has once again put together a full lineup of activities, ensuring there is truly something for everyone. To catch all the action, there are three main locations to keep in mind: Memorial Park in the morning, downtown mid-day, and Lake Mohawksin in the evening. Popular traditions making a comeback include the morning 5K/10K Fun Run, the Lion's Chicken Lunch, and the annual parade. This year's parade will also feature something new, fast, and loud: an F-35 fighter jet flyover. The day wraps up with a thrilling Kwahamot ski show and a spectacular fireworks display. In between the main events, visitors and locals alike can be found catching up with friends and family, exploring local shops and restaurants, or enjoying a relaxing day on the water. Tomahawk Lions Club member Kevin Koth notes that while the Lions organize Pow-Wow Days each year, the celebration is truly a community effort. It is made possible by the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and residents who work together to keep the tradition alive. You can find a full list of activities, times, and locations on the WJJQ Community Calendar. And of course, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the weekend for news, updates, and our annual live parade coverage starting Saturday at 1:00 PM.

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