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Ahlstrom-Munksjö Announces Temporary Machine Idle at Rhinelander Factory Published on 09/15/2021 under News

The parent company of the Rhinelander paper mill announced a temporary machine idle later this year.

According to a news release from Ahlstrom-Munksjö, the company informed employees of plans to temporarily idle #8 paper machine at their Rhinelander facility in December. They further plan to temporarily idle #20 Supercalender and #21 Rewinder in July 2022.

The number of employees affected is yet to be determined as pending retirements and job reassignements are factored in.

Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö's Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area said in the release, "In a very competitive marketplace, we must continue to provide cost-effective and innovative products, challenging our machine capabilities to generate optimum results."

Buss continued, ""Our robust manufacturing platform is well-positioned for continued success. By utilizing several other machines in our regional system, we will provide our customers with the level of service required to meet their needs."

The Rhinelander plant has approximately 500 employees. The Finnish-based company purchased the facility in 2018.

In Other News

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Report: Driver Clocked at 100mph in 55mph Zone

Published on 07/21/2026 under News A Tomahawk man was cited over the weekend after a deputy caught him driving more than 100 mph on Highway 64. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a deputy on a specialized traffic safety patrol spotted an eastbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near Joe Snow Road on Sunday. Radar locked the vehicle's speed at 102 mph in a 55 mph zone, after initially clocking it at 105 mph. During the traffic stop, the deputy reported that the driver was initially argumentative and unable to provide proof of identification. A family member eventually arrived at the scene to confirm both the man's identity and his ownership of the vehicle. The driver was cited for speeding 45+ mph over the posted limit and driving without identification. A couple of other quick notes from the Sheriff's report... A single vehicle crash last Monday on Highway 51 near Nibler Road resulted in a driver injury. The driver suspected he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel causing the crash. Both drivers were injured in a two vehicle crash on Highway 17 in the Town of Russell. Based on the initial investigation, one of the vehicles attempted a u-turn, crossing into the path of the other vehicle. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains low with four reported on Lincoln County Roadways.

Published on 07/21/2026 under News Hundreds of hours of stitching, vibrant patterns, and a whole lot of heart were on full display in Eagle River over the weekend. The Cranberry Country Quilters Guild hosted their annual show at Northland Pines High School over the weekend, transforming the school into a colorful tapestry featuring more than 200 quilts. The day-long event offered visitors a chance to marvel at the artistry of local crafters while enjoying quilt vendors, technique demonstrations, an antique bed turning, and even a special raffle quilt. Another highlight was the recognition of long-time member Joyce Owens. Owens was honored for her passion for quilting, colorful and creative designs, and years of leadership and mentorship within the guild. She served as guild president twice, and has helped teach and inspire fellow quilters for many years. Organizers say the event celebrated both the artistry of quilting and the volunteers who help keep the tradition thriving.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) has officially opened public voting for its third annual safe digging competition, seeking its next canine spokesperson. The contest pairs cute pups with an important message: reminding residents to call Diggers Hotline at least three days before starting any home project that involves digging. The winning "ambassadog" will be featured on social media and billboards promoting Diggers Hotline as safe, free, and required by law. Back in 2024, Arlo, an Aussiedoodle from Tomahawk, became the first spokes-dog, followed by Pearl from Schofield last year. With Pearl's term coming to a close, WPS put out a call for a new batch of pup-ular candidates. Out of dozens of submissions, a pack of 10 finalists was selected, including three local Northwoods favorites:Luna (Merrill): An 11-month-old who loves digging at the beach almost as much as she loves cuddling up for family movie nights.Maisie (Rhinelander): A sweet 1-year-old golden retriever famous for unearthing yard rocks and playing fetch.Ruby (Tomahawk): A playful 1-year-old water lover who balances her digging hobby with outdoor bird-watching.Voting is open to everyone at the WPS website through next Monday, July 27. The winner will be announced on August 11 (8/11) a reference to 811, the national number to call before you dig.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News The Kwahamots skied their way back onto the podium after a strong performance at the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships over the weekend. Competing at the 60th annual state championships on Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids, the Kwahamots finished third in the Division 3 team competition. The top three teams separated themselves from the rest of the field in a tight battle, with the Chain Skiers of Waupaca claiming the state title and Crivitz's Twin Bridge Ski Team taking second. The Tomahawk-based team was led by Ryan Koth, who was recognized as the Division 3 Most Valuable Male performer. A true Swiss Army knife, Koth excelled in wakeboarding, hydrofoil, jumping, and barefooting. The Kwahamots also posted the top score in the barefoot category. This podium finish marks the fourth time in the past five years that the Kwahamots have placed among the top three at the state championships, continuing their run as one of Wisconsin's premier show ski clubs. The four-day event featured teams from across the state competing in individual events prior to the team competition, where performances were judged across a dozen categories—including showmanship, difficulty, boat driving, and overall entertainment. After a successful trip on the road, the team returns home to Kwahamot Bay to resume their schedule of three weekly shows through Labor Day.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News Wildfire smoke put the brakes on a Northwoods aviation tradition on Sunday. The 28th annual AirVenture Cup Race, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to EAA AirVenture week in Oshkosh, was postponed after thick smoke created poor flying conditions across much of Wisconsin. Pilots spent Sunday at the Wausau Downtown Airport receiving periodic weather updates while organizers monitored air quality and visibility in hopes of getting the race underway. Instead, competitors were asked to report back to the airport at 7 a.m. Monday, with organizers tentatively planning a 9 a.m. start, weather permitting. The AirVenture Cup typically attracts more than 100 pilots for a roughly 400-mile sky race from Wausau through northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula before returning to the Northwoods. Tomahawk and Merrill serve as the final two checkpoints on the course. Following the race, most pilots will head to Oshkosh for the start of EAA AirVenture, one of the world's largest aviation gatherings.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News The investigation into a suspected drug overdose death in Eagle River has expanded, with authorities making an arrest and executing a search warrant. Eagle River Police say a suspect was taken into custody Thursday by the Portage County Sheriff's Department after a traffic stop connected to the investigation. Earlier that afternoon, investigators from multiple agencies executed a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Lac du Flambeau. Two people were also taken into custody at the residence, but police say those arrests were unrelated to the overdose investigation. The investigation began after officers responded to a report of an unresponsive person at an Eagle River residence shortly after 2:15 a.m. Tuesday. Despite life-saving efforts, the 37-year-old victim died at the scene. Officials say the investigation remains active, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News Northcentral Technical College has been selected to join a national effort to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs into nontraditional careers. NTC was one of just 11 schools across the country chosen for the Association of Community College Trustees' Scaling Apprenticeship at Community Colleges project. The college says the selection recognizes its strong employer partnerships and workforce training experience. Through the program, NTC will receive technical assistance and planning resources as it works to become a Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor. The goal is to create new paid apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields while helping employers develop long-term workforce pipelines. College officials say they expect to submit new apprenticeship standards and begin enrolling apprentices in approved nontraditional career pathways by the end of the project.

Published on 07/20/2026 under News A traffic safety upgrade in Oneida County is paying off. According to new data released by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, total crashes dropped by roughly 42% at the intersection of US 8 and WIS 47 near Rhinelander after it was converted from a traditional traffic signal into a roundabout. In the six years leading up to the roundabout's construction, the intersection saw 40 total crashes. In the six years following the transformation, that number dropped to 23. Beyond simply preventing collisions, roundabouts also reduce crash severity. The design causes drivers to slow down and largely eliminates T-bone and head-on collisions. WisDOT highlighted the US 8 and WIS 47 junction as a prime example of data-driven engineering that improves commuter safety while keeping traffic moving smoothly.

Published on 07/17/2026 under News A group of local kids in Tomahawk have spent their summer vacation getting a crash course in theater, and tonight, they are ready to take the stage. After spending the last two weeks memorizing lines, hitting their marks, and building confidence, the participants of the Tomahawk Community Theater Youth Summer Workshop are bringing a cast of colorful characters to life in their performance of "Knock Knock." The comedy follows two delivery drivers who never know what they'll find behind the next door as they encounter a series of quirky characters along the way. Now in its fourth year, the youth workshop features a cast and crew made up entirely of upper-elementary and middle school students. However, those involved say the production is about much more than just putting on a show. Eleven-year-old Stephanie Van Asten says theater has helped her build confidence and see the world through the eyes of different characters. Fellow actor Elton Hau, now in his fourth year, said he has learned valuable stage skills like stage positioning, voice projection, and how to stay in character when the unexpected happens. Terry Bucaro, one of the adults overseeing the workshop, noted that the entire production, from auditions to opening night, comes together in just two weeks. It is a fast-paced experience that gives young performers a unique chance to develop acting skills, teamwork, and lasting friendships. It will be a limited run, just one performance Friday night, 6pm at the Tomahawk School Auditorium. It's free, and the show is about an hour.

Published on 07/17/2026 under News The best water skiers in the state are taking over Lake Wazeecha this weekend, and several Northwoods favorites are hunting for a championship. Wisconsin Rapids is once again hosting all three divisions of the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships. It's the milestone sixtieth anniversary. The action got underway on Thursday with individual events, including freestyle jumping, swivel skiing, and doubles. That all builds up to the highly anticipated team competition, which kicks off bright and early Friday morning. Each team has exactly one hour to put on their best performance. Competitors are judged across twelve distinct categories, including showmanship, difficulty, boat driving, announcing, and overall performance. While they are typically used to performing in the evenings, the Tomahawk-based Kwahamots were fourth on the dock this morning. And the Northwoods will be well-represented throughout the weekend, with the Plum Ski-ters of Sayner and the Chain Skimmers of Conover also competing for the crown. The routines will continue through Sunday with the Division 1 competition. We will share the official results as soon as they are announced. For those who can't make to Rapids, USA Waterski offers a live stream on their website.

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