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Badger State Games, Snowmobile Derby Partner for Torch Ride Published on 01/13/2022 under News

Two iconic Northern Wisconsin sporting events, the Badger State Games and the World Championship Snowmobile Derby will join forces for a torch lighting ceremony.

A bit earlier this morning, participants in the annual Torch Run left from Wausau by snowmobile on a Northwoods tour which will end in Eagle River tomorrow evening.

Back in 1989, the Badger State Games introduced their version of the Torch Run from Madison to Wausau. After quietly fading away, interest in a new torch run was established in 2020 in collaboration with the annual snowmobile derby.

As for this year's tour, it will feature 15 snowmobile clubs and 200 miles across 4 counties. That includes a stop this morning at around 11:45 at the Tomahawk Sports Center for a meet and greet and luncheon before continuing north into the Minocqua area.

After several stops in Oneida and Vilas County Friday afternoon, participants will make their way to the Derby track in Eagle River. Tomorrow evening is the ceremonial cauldron lighting by this year's Wisconsin Snowmobile Queen AJ Kreager.

This year marks the 33rd Badger State Winter Games and the 59th World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

In Other News

33 New DOC Staff Graduate to Serve Milwaukee Youth Facility As Part of Lincoln Hills Transition Plans

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The state's long-term plan to close Lincoln Hills took another step forward as 33 new Department of Corrections staff members graduated from their training academy. They will serve at Milwaukee's new Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth. The $78.4 million, 32-bed Milwaukee center is set to open as the first of three proposed regional facilities designed to replace Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School as the state's primary youth correctional facility. The goal is to keep young offenders closer to their families, hometown support networks, and staff who understand their local communities. Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy emphasized that regional care allows family and community resources to integrate directly into youth rehabilitation. Many of the new staff members grew up in the same neighborhoods and navigated the same challenges as the youth they will be caring for. A second site in Dane County is set to break ground, while a third facility may be built at an undetermined location in northern Wisconsin to serve regional youth offenders. Once the transition is fully complete, state plans call for converting the Lincoln County complex into an adult correctional facility.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Governor Evers' planned stop at the Chequamegon School District on Friday was canceled due to nearby threats unrelated to his visit. Price County Dispatch received a call from a man making terroristic threats and expressing suicidal thoughts at a business in the Town of Lake. Multiple agencies responded, taking the man into custody without incident. Around that same time, Gov. Evers was scheduled to visit the Chequamegon School-South Campus. As a precaution during the incident, the school was placed in a secure hold; and the Governor's visit cancelled. Authorities noted that the threats did not appear to be connected to his planned visit. The stop was intended to be part of the governor's annual statewide Back-to-School tour. A former science teacher and school administrator, Gov. Evers is marking his 50th back-to-school season and his final one as governor.

Published on 09/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would fail to shake off another slow start in their Great Northern Conference opener Friday night at Hatchet Field, losing to Wausau East, 23-14. The Hatchets were able to move the ball for three out of the four quarters against Wausau East. Unfortunately, Tomahawk was unable to overcome an early 16-0 deficit behind two first-half touchdowns from the Lumberjacks' Xander Klein. The Hatchets rushed for a season-high 183 yards on 40 carries. Max Larson led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown. Henry Nieman finished with a receiving touchdown and an interception. Tomahawk falls to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at Hatchet Field next week to welcome Antigo. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin begins at 6:15 and kickoff is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth. Other Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Coleman 28, Northland Pines 16 Marathon 19, Crandon 0 Mosinee 33, Antigo 14 Merrill 42, Lakeland 13 Medford 62, Rhinelander 20 Regis 42, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football: Suring 56, Goodman-Pembine 6 Hurley 22, Phillips 6 Laona-Wabeno 44, Rib Lake 6 Three Lakes/Phelps 64, Chequamegon 0

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Local health and law enforcement agencies are teaming up this September to make homes across Lincoln County safer by providing free firearm safety resources to the public. In recognition of National Preparedness Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Lincoln County Health Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill, and the Tomahawk Public Library are distributing free gun locks, firearm safety information, and crisis prevention materials. Officials note,"Safe storage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive." They said secure storage is a critical, low-cost step toward preventing accidental shootings, unauthorized access by children, and access to lethal means during a mental health crisis. Residents can pick up a free cable lock and safety packet during normal business hours throughout September at the Sheriff's Office Lobby, the Health Department, or either of the two public libraries. Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Community members are encouraged to stop by any participating location to grab a lock and take an easy step toward protecting their homes and families.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Facility renovations will force the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office to temporarily relocate later this month. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says that the updates are designed to enhance facilities for local veterans and their families. The project is expected to begin September 14. During the renovation period, public operations will move down the road to the Lincoln County Human Services Building. Directional signage will be posted at both buildings to guide visitors. Office hours will stay the same. Upon arrival at the temporary location, visitors should check in at the front desk and wait in the lobby for the Veteran Service Officer or Deputy VSO. Officials appreciate the community's patience and encourage veterans to plan their service needs around the transition. We'll offer another reminder as the project gets underway, once again planned to begin September 14. A completion date wasn't provided.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Price County earlier this week. According to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) incident report, the crash occurred Wednesday in the Town of Emery, east of Phillips. A 72-year-old man was driving along an established road route when he veered off the roadway, causing the machine to roll over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. This marks Wisconsin's 33rd fatal ATV/UTV crash this year. As we covered earlier this week, the DNR and local recreation deputies are conducting their "Think Smart Before You Start" ATV/UTV safety and enforcement campaign through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News The summer is quickly winding down, and in the coming weeks folks will be closing up cabins, camps, and resorts for the winter. Local food pantries are encouraging people to check for any food can be donated rather than discarded. Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in the Northwoods and any help the local food pantries and other food distribution programs receive is greatly appreciated. Whether closing up over the Labor Day holiday or a bit later this fall, they're asking seasonal property owners to review food and consider donating to an outreach organization to help restock their shelves heading to the fall and winter. Non-perishables are always needed, but make sure they are unopened and in-date. Food pantries may have different policies for refrigerated and frozen foods, along with fresh produce. It's best to reach out to your local pantry to see if they accept these items.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News State officials are urging caution on Wisconsin's lakes and rivers this Labor Day weekend. With the holiday marking the summer's final major boating weekend, the Department of Natural Resources expects high traffic on area waterways. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lieutenant John Sinclair reminds boaters that operating a boat requires a different skill set than driving a car, emphasizing the need to know your equipment, abilities, and state laws. Warden patrols have already investigated 21 fatal boating incidents in Wisconsin this year, with most victims not wearing life jackets. Officials remind boaters to wear life jackets, stay sober, and obey speed limits. Boaters are also reminded to drain all water and remove aquatic plants or mud from boats and trailers before leaving launches to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News We've been talking about back to school all week, but sometimes students need to stay home when feeling ill—and health experts at Aspirus are sharing key guidelines for parents as young learners return to class. Being in close proximity with other students in the classroom encountering germs is inevitable. Studies show children average two to three colds each year, However, knowing when to keep a child home is vital to stopping the spread of illness. According to Ashley Schuelke, a nurse practitioner with Aspirus, students should stay home if they have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or are simply too sick to participate in learning. Mild cold symptoms alone don't require staying home, provided the child feels well enough for class activities. Schuelke says that parents should "trust their instincts," but added, "It is important to keep a sick child home from school to prevent the spread to other classmates and staff." Children can return to school once they feel well and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or dehydration is a concern.

Published on 09/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female swimmers went 0-2 in their home double dual with Mosinee and Lakeland Thursday night. Tomahawk would fall to Lakeland, 134-27 and to Mosinee, 80-57. The top finish for Tomahawk came in the 400 yard freestyle as the team of Kaylee Roberts, Kurtney Busterud, Kami Gabrich, and Aubrey Tollefson placed second with a time of 4:42. Kaylee Roberts placed third in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:17.14. Tollefson placed third in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 1:25.63. The Hatchets will have their next double dual next Thursday in Colby with the host and Rhinelander. Events begin at 5:30.

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