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Motorcycle Safety Urged for Fall Ride Weekend Published on 09/15/2021 under News

With tens of thousands of motorcycles converging in the greater Tomahawk area this weekend, law enforcement and the Department of Transportation are partnering to ensure that everyone safely shares the roadway.

Ken Wickham is the DoT's North Central Region Director. He says, "We want everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods and Fall Ride activities without getting distracted from our responsibilities as drivers and passengers."

He added that motorists should "eliminate distractions, slow down, and look twice for motorcyclists." As we've previously covered, because of the motorcycle's smaller profile it's easy to misjudge the bike's speed and distance as it approaches.

Despite a smaller celebration, there were still a handful of motorcycle crashes during last year's Fall Ride including one fatal accident.

The DoT also reminders visitors traveling to the area of ongoing construction projects that may affect traffic flow. The most notable is the continued work on Highway 51 south of Merrill, where southbound traffic is currently utilizing a northbound lane.

In Other News

Taste of Tomahawk Celebrates 21 Years, Local Food and Beverages

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Folks in Tomahawk had the chance to enjoy some of the area's best food and drinks over the weekend. The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Taste of Tomahawk event Saturday at Inshalla Country Club. This year's celebration marked a milestone, as the event turned 21 with a "21st birthday" theme. The annual gathering featured offerings from around two dozen local restaurants, businesses, breweries, and wineries, giving attendees a chance to sample a wide variety of flavors. Guests also voted for their favorites in several categories. Winners included Stubborn Brothers Brewery for beer and Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe for wine. Top honors for food went to Somo Lake Resort, while Sweet Pies of Mine took home the dessert award.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Amazon recently made a special delivery, not to a customer but a local food pantry to ensure local student aren't hungry at home. The Amazon fulfillment center in Weston recently donated more than 300 backpacks and nearly 80 pounds of snack foods to the Lakeland Pantry. The supplies will support the "Hope in a Backpack" program, which provides weekend meals to students across the Lakeland area. Each week, their team of volunteers fill more than 200 backpacks with easy-to-prepare food. The bags are distributed to students in several local school districts, helping bridge the gap when school meals aren't available. Program organizers say the effort plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and supporting student well-being and they were grateful for the donation.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner, and updates and announcements have been coming quickly. We have a few additional details on a highway project we first told you about earlier this year north of Tomahawk. Construction is set to begin in April on a $2.8 million improvement project along US 51 between US 8 and County L in the towns of Nokomis and Woodboro. The project, announced by Tony Evers, will include concrete repairs, asphalt resurfacing, and bridge work. Chippewa Concrete Services is the prime contractor for the project. Once the project begins next month, that segment of Highway 51 will be closed through Memorial Day. Following that holiday weekend, Highway 51 will remain open while construction continues with flagging operations and single-lane closures during the summer months. The work is scheduled to wrap up by mid-September, weather permitting. Officials noted this project is separate from a proposed roundabout project at Highway 51 and County K, which is currently planned for 2027.___ The DoT is hosting a public informational meeting this evening on the Highway 51 project planned in the Minocqua area this summer. Crews will be working on Hwy 51 between the Lake Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. Before work begins, the public will have a chance to learn more at a construction information meeting next Monday at 6pm at the Minocqua Public Library. That project is set to begin next week and continue through October. ___ And the Oneida County Highway Department announced that seasonal weight limits will take effect at 8am Wednesday. The list of roads impacted can be found on the Oneida County website, Highway Department page. 6 TON/AXLE 18 TONS GROSS CTH "A"...Entire LengthCTH "B"...Entire Length (CTH G to USH 45 posted year round)CTH "D"...CTH E to Prairie RoadCTH "E"...Entire LengthCTH "G"...Germond Rd to USH 45CTH "H"...Entire LengthCTH "M"...Entire LengthWEST CTH "N"...Entire LengthEAST CTH "N"...Crescent Road to USH 8CTH "O"...Entire LengthCTH "Q"...USH 45 to Langlade County LineCTH "W"...Golf Course Road to STH 17CTH "Y"...South County Line - USH 51CTH "Z"...Entire LengthNO POSTING CTH "C"...Entire LengthEAST CTH "D"...Prairie Road to STH 17WEST CTH "D"...USH 51 to CTH ECTH "G"...Germond Rd to Rhinelander city limitsCTH "J"...Entire LengthCTH "K"...Entire LengthCTH "L"...South County Line - JCT USH 51EAST CTH "N"...CTH "K" to Crescent RoadCTH "P"...Entire Length

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Energy customers in the Northwoods could see long-term benefits following approval of a new solar project in southern Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously approved a plan for Wisconsin Public Service to purchase a portion of the Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center in Rock County. The solar facility will be developed by Invenergy, co-owned by WPS, We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric. Under the plan, WPS will own 15 megawatts of solar generation, enough to power more than 4,500 homes. Utility officials say the project is part of a broader effort to maintain reliable service while diversifying energy sources, while helping reduce fuel costs and keeping energy rates more stable. Construction and testing are expected over the next few years, with the project scheduled to begin serving customers in 2028.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News Like other communities here in the Northwoods, the Tomahawk area has plenty of good food and drinks. Coming up this weekend, the Chamber will highlight the local offerings with the return of the Taste of Tomahawk. As the name implies, Taste of Tomahawk offers participants a chance to sample foods and drinks with a focus on local. Over the past few weeks, the Chamber has been using their Facebook page to highlight the nearly two dozen participants. Taste celebrates local cuisine from apps to entrees to desserts along with Wisconsin based breweries and wineries". It is described as "a great event to sip, snack, and socialize." It's also a good way for people to get out after being cooped up during the winter months, essentially 'a cabin fever reliever.' Those who've attended in the past know that there is typically a theme, and this year is no different. It's actually a birthday celebration with Taste of Tomahawk turning 21. It also happens to fall on the March 21st making it a golden birthday. As of Friday Morning, they had a few tickets remaining, which can be purchased Friday at Trig's or the Chamber. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open Saturday at 1pm at Inshalla.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board is calling on state leaders to take action on transportation funding. Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution at their meeting Tuesday urging the state legislature to adopt a long-term, sustainable funding plan for roads and bridges. The resolution states that local governments maintain about 90 percent of Wisconsin's roads, but state aid has not kept up with inflation and rising construction costs, leaving many counties and municipalities struggling to handle improvements or even basic maintenance. The resolution also highlights concerns about aging infrastructure, including thousands of small bridges across the state, and warns that without stable funding, communities may be forced to borrow more or delay critical projects. Supervisors are now asking the state to create a reliable funding system that supports long-term planning and keeps Wisconsin's transportation network safe and competitive. The measure passed by voice vote with little discussion and will be sent to state officials including the Governor and legislators representing Lincoln County down in Madison.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News In Wisconsin, the return of spring also means one thing—orange barrels and road construction season aren't far behind. Governor Tony Evers announced upgrades to a stretch of US 8 near Rhinelander. Crews will be working on Highway 8 between Highway 47 and Highway 17 North. Musson Brothers has been selected as the primary contractor for the $6.2 million project. The project will include new asphalt, along with the installation of centerline rumble strips to improve safety. Two key intersections along the corridor, Highway 17 South at County G and WD Boyce Drive, will be reconstructed into single-lane roundabouts. Drivers should plan for significant impacts. The segment of US 8 will be closed during construction, with traffic detoured along Highway 17 North through city streets in Rhinelander. Temporary pavement and signals will also be installed at some intersections. Construction is scheduled to begin in April and run through November. Before work begins they will have a public informational meeting. That's scheduled for 5pm, April 2 at Rhinelander City Hall. Or you can visit the DoT project website.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News With spring planting season approaching in northern Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to consider adding native plants to their yards and gardens. DNR officials say native plants play an important role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds. They're also well adapted to Wisconsin's climate, making them a good fit for home gardens across the Northwoods. DNR conservation biologist Amy Staffen says introducing native plants to a yard is an easy way for both beginner and experienced gardeners to help wildlife thrive. The DNR maintains a statewide list of native plant sales and a directory of native plant nurseries on its Native Plants webpage, along with information on pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and planting guides.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News While many people celebrated St. Patrick's Day this week, one Northwoods group is embracing their ties to Finland. Preparation is underway in Brantwood for their annual Saint Urho Day celebration. The tongue-in-cheek holiday isn't part of traditional Finnish lore. It was actually created in the 1950's, and tells of the legend of Saint Urho. He is said to have freed Finland's grape crops from invading grasshoppers on March 16. The Knox Creek Heritage Center is one of the groups that participates each year. Their organization is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Scandinavian pioneers that settled the Northwoods. Coming up on Saturday they'll be serving a soup buffet with traditional Finnish foods. The event will double as the group's annual meeting. The Knox Creek St. Urho Day celebration will take place Saturday at the Brantwood Community Center starting at noon.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News As spring cleaning gets underway, there's a chance to clear out old electronics responsibly. Good News Project is hosting a Global Recycling Day event on Saturday. The event encourages residents to safely dispose of unwanted electronics...anything with a cord or battery including computers, phones, TVs and even small appliances like air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Christine Daniels, Executive Director says, "Many people don't realize that their unused electronics hold materials that can be reused." The event helps keep harmful e-waste out of landfills while allowing valuable materials to be recycling. The nonprofit adds that holding the event on a Saturday makes it easier for more people to take part while tackling their spring cleaning. More information is available through the Good News Project. Fees will be charged by weight and type of item. The recycling will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Good News Project on North 5th Street

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