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Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive This Weekend Published on 05/13/2022 under News

The largest single day food drive in the country is taking place this weekend, and postal workers are looking forward to a little extra work tomorrow.

It's time once again for the Stamp Out Hunger, organized by the Association of Letter Carriers in cooperation with the US Postal Service. The traditional letter carrier food drive returns this year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In each of the previous two years it was replaced by the NALC's donor drive, in which those wishing to help made online monetary donations to local food pantries.

Earlier this week, carriers here in Tomahawk distributed collection bags throughout the community which will be collected on Saturday. Bags can be filled with non-perishable food items and placed in or on your mailbox for collection on Saturday.

While most non-perishable food items are welcome some of the 'most wanted' include: canned soup, vegetables, meats like tuna or chicken, along with boxed pasta, rice, or cereal.

Please do not put out rusty or unlabeled cans, expired or opened items; and perishable or homemade items.

In Other News

Lincoln County Economic Development Corp Launches LinC & Learn Business Connections

Published on 02/13/2026 under News The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is looking to bring together local business owners. And the organization is launching a new free monthly meet-up known as LinC & Learn Business Connections series. According to Executive Director Sara Guild, the LinC & Learn is designed to bring together small-to-medium size business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and local business leaders for practical learning, peer-to-peer problem solving, and meaningful networking in a welcoming, informal environment. The first opportunity is coming up next Thursday at Johnson's of Merrill. Then in March, they'll head north to Tomahawk at the Buedingen Center at PCA. That also leads up to the annual Lincoln County Economic Summit which will take place in April. And while the LinC & Learn is free, Guild encouraged registration so they know how many people will be attending. Those interested can visit the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation website.

Published on 02/13/2026 under News We have updates on a pair of snowmobile crashes in the Northwoods over the weekend including a fatal accident in Langlade County. One person died several days after a snowmobile crash near Antigo. According to the DNR, that initial crash happened on Saturday. The operator, a 59 year old man, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Officials say he died on Monday. His name was not immediately released. Based on the preliminary investigation, the operator was traveling on a public trail when he failed to negotiate a curve resulting in a rollover. This is the 10th fatal snowmobile crash in Wisconsin this year, and the twelfth this riding season.

Published on 02/13/2026 under News Meanwhile up in Vilas County, a snowmobile crash earlier this week required an air medical transport. According to the Eagle River Fire Department that call came in on Tuesday evening at just after 8pm. Crews were dispatched to Trail 7 in the Town of Cloverland, west of Eagle River. Responders used their UTV to reach the victim on the trail. Due to the nature and severity of the injuries, a medical evacuation helicopter was requested. They temporarily closed Highway 70 for around 15 minutes to allow the helicopter to land. The patient was transported to Wausau for further treatment. No update on their condition was provided. No other information on the crash was provided.

Published on 02/13/2026 under News While love may be in the air for Valentine's, a local energy provider is reminding people to keep holiday balloons out of the skies. With heart-shaped Mylar balloons a go-to Valentine's gift, Wisconsin Public Service offered their annual word of caution. That's because a released balloon could leave thousands in the dark. They explained via news release when a Mylar balloons comes into contact with power lines, it acts as a conductor, and may create a short circuit. Last year, balloons caused more than 500 outages across the WPS footprint. In addition to power outages, a short circuit can also be dangerous if the power line falls to the ground. If you're planning on gifting a balloon for Valentine's, or any special occasion, make sure it is tied securely to a weight. If you received a balloon, electric companies are asking you properly deflate and dispose it rather than letting them go outdoors.

Published on 02/13/2026 under News During American Heart Month, Aspirus is helping patients better understand how common heart medications protect long term health, even when symptoms are not present. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often go unnoticed because they typically do not cause immediate symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, many without knowing it. That silent risk is why regular monitoring coupled with medications play such an important role in prevention. Aspirus Pharmacy resident Tyler Thao says, "People can feel perfectly fine and still have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. You would not necessarily know unless you get it checked. You may feel fine, but inside, you may not be." Medications for blood pressure and cholesterol help lower that hidden risk by reducing strain on the heart and blood vessels over time. Because these medications are often taken long term, pharmacists play an important role in helping patients understand why they are prescribed, how to take them safely, and what to watch for along the way. Thao says, "Taking medications as prescribed and checking in with your doctor can truly save a life."

Published on 02/13/2026 under News Love is in the air, and so too are the birds... Bird-lovers can join in a global citizen-science effort. Today marks the start of the four-day, Great Backyard Bird Count. This is the 29th year for the survey, a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. By participating in your own backyard here in the Northwoods, you can join the more than 800,000 people who participated last year in nearly every country on the planet. Ben Haywood, Audubon's director of community science says. "The more the merrier as we celebrate the joy of birds all over the world and join the global effort to protect them and the places they need." Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring—whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. To take part, each participant counts birds for 15 minutes or more and uses the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird app to enter the birds identified birds by sight or sound at birdcount.org. That can be your backyard, or a park, a wilderness area, apartment balcony, or neighborhood street. First time participants are encouraged the GBBC website. The survey runs through Monday.

Published on 02/13/2026 under News Last fall, the Major League Fishing Tour made a stop in the Northwoods. Now a new TV audience will get a chance to check out fishing in the area. Back in September, Minocqua hosted the second stop on the Major League Fishing-Fishing Clash Team Series tour. Over the course of a week, twenty four anglers, in twelve teams of two, fished local lakes and rivers. It was seen as a great success for the region as an immediate economic driver, but also highlighted the area as a fishing destination for those following along online. At the time, organizers promised that produced episodes of the tournament would be aired on TV. That begins this weekend. MLF partners with the Outdoor Channel to air that tournament coverage over the course of six weekly episodes. The first will air on Saturday, February 14 at 1pm. Airings will continue on the Outdoor Channel each Saturday through March 21. Check your provider for which channel. Episodes will also be available on the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app after.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride is still six months off, but planning is in full swing, and there is an opportunity for the public to get involved. As part of the 45th anniversary celebration of the Fall Ride, the Tomahawk Chamber has announced the launch of a community-wide logo design contest to commemorate the milestone. They said community members, artists, and designers of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit original logo concepts that capture the spirit and history of Fall Ride. Chamber Director Charis Lau says, "This anniversary represents more than a number — it reflects the people, businesses, and memories that built the Tomahawk Fall Ride. We want the community to be part of that story by helping us design the logo that will define this historic year." The winning logo will serve as the official anniversary brand mark and will be featured on event marketing and promotion; street banners and signage; and apparel, merchandise and memorabilia. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, visual impact, and how well the design reflects the anniversary theme. Additional information is available on the Chamber website. The entry deadline will be on March 20 with the winner announced this spring when they also unveil the motorcycle for the annual bike raffle at the WJJQ Home Show.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News Every few years, the popularity of some less-common sports surge thanks to the Olympics games. One of those sports is curling, often referred to as 'chess on ice'. With the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina in full swing, local curling clubs are preparing for the sudden-spike in interest while also taking in the sport they love. The Wisconsin State Curling Association currently lists more than 30 curling clubs in Wisconsin including Rhinelander, Medford, Wausau, and Stevens Point. Up in Rhinelander, the Hodag Curling Club has partnered with Rocky Reef Brewing Company to host some watch parties for the American team as they go for gold. The organization was formed in 2023 and offers leagues, as well as Learn 2 Curl sessions for newcomers. They currently operate out of the Rhinelander Ice Arena. To the unfamiliar, curling may seem simple and slow, but players will quickly find both strategy and skill are needed to be successful. And sliding the stone can be trickier than it appears. As for Team USA, the mixed doubles team earned Silver earlier this week. The men's and women's team competitions are currently in the preliminary stage. The Rhinelander Curling Club is hosting another watch party double header on Saturday. You can follow their Facebook Page or visit their website to learn more.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News Valentine's Day is just a few days away, and experts are reminding those looking to purchase last minute flowers online to do a little research first. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin typically sees an uptick in consumer complaints about online florists at this time of year, largely due to Valentine's Day. Common complaints include damaged flowers or bouquets that look nothing like the advertisement; add-on costs; or orders that were never delivered at all. Like any online purchase, the Bureau says it's best to do some research. Read reviews and get to know business policies and delivery timelines. Watch for stock images or AI pictures being used in the advertisements rather than actual bouquets made in-house. And as always avoid offers that seem too good to be true. They note the best option is often thinking local and visit your neighborhood florist recommended by friends and family.

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