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Tomahawk, Merrill Community Banks Rebrand; Become Crossbridge Community Bank Published on 06/21/2022 under News

For more than century, Tomahawk Community Bank and Merrill Community Bank have served the Northwoods. As of this morning, they'll continue to do so, but under a new, unified name.

Under the re-branding, they'll now be known as Crossbridge Community Bank. They explained the name-change in a news release. Following a merger between the two, they had continued operating under the Tomahawk and Merrill Community Bank brands. Leaders felt with fully integrating their teams and cultures, they wanted a name that would represent coming together as a unified bank with a single purpose.

Crossbridge President Kathy Rankin says, "Since 1920, our bank has been a part of the fabric of our towns. We've helped customers overcome obstacles and forged deep and lasting connections." She explained, "Our new logo is a sign of that shared history, of optimism and hope, of unity and connection. It conveys the strength of our past – and the potential of our future."

Crossbridge CEO Mark Zulliger added, "The goal of a name change and look was to simply be able to tell our story more clearly and allow for growth that will carry us forward. It is truly as though we are crossing a bridge into our next 100 years."

While the name and logo may have changed, they anticipate customers will continue to receive the same service they've grown accustomed to. Information such as account numbers won't be changing.

In Other News

DNR Accepting Nominations for Ethical Hunter; Invasive Species Action Awards

Published on 01/13/2026 under News Awards season is right around the corner, and that includes some recognition for outdoor enthusiasts in the state of Wisconsin. The DNR is currently accepting nominations for several awards the agency hands out each year. The Wisconsin Ethical Hunter Award is presented to a hunter who showed outstanding character in the field. This particular award is for a singular action rather than life-time achievement. Examples of past winners include helping track a harvest, returning lost gear, or advising non-hunters about an ongoing hunting season on public property. While most nominations come from the gun/deer season, nominees can represent any hunting season over the past year. The deadline for nominations is at the end of January. Meanwhile, the nomination period is also open for the Invasive Species Action Awards. These are presented to individuals, groups, and professionals that have made significant contributions to preventing, controlling or eradicating invasive species in the state of Wisconsin. This deadline for these nominations is Feb 16. The DNR has additional information on both award nominations on their website.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad would lose their third out of their last four games Saturday afternoon, losing to Superior, 7-1. The Hatchets were shut out until the 4:17 mark of the third period, suffering their worst loss of the season. Tomahawk's lone goal came on a power play from Jake Albert in the third. The Hatchets were outshot 30-18, including allowing 19 shots in the second period alone. Three of Superior's seven goals came on the power play. The loss drops Tomahawk to 9-3 on the season. The Hatchets begin a four-game week Monday night at SARA Park against Antigo. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad traveled to Ashwaubenon for the Jaguar Invite Saturday and finished 12th as a team. Despite the low finish, the Hatchets made tremendous improvement in the meet, setting 15 personal records. The highlight of the meet was Bruce Peetz, who finished fifth in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:14.11. Peetz's time was just one second off of the school record. The Hatchets finished ahead of Notre Dame, Neenah, and Oshkosh North. Tomahawk is back in the pool Tuesday night against Lakeland. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News January is Radon Awareness Month, and local health departments are encouraging residents check their home levels every few years. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found naturally in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. The Lincoln County Health Department says radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. It occurs in as many as 1 in 10 Wisconsin homes. There are areas of the state that are more susceptible including a pocket in North Central Wisconsin. Lincoln County environmental health specialist Michael Mandli noted "Winter is the ideal time to test your home for radon." He notes, "Homes are sealed tight during winter, allowing radon to accumulate more easily." This allows for more accurate testing. A basic test can be purchased for around $15 at most home improvement stores. Both the state and local health departments have additional information including further testing and mitigation solutions if the readings come back elevated.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News Students from around North Central Wisconsin competed in chess while also supporting a good cause. Edgar hosted an annual chess tournament dubbed 'Checkmate to Homelessness.' In addition to the games on the chess board, the students raised awareness and support for homelessness in the community. The competitors even collected monetary donations and items of need that will be donated to local shelters. Sara Sternberg, Marathon Chess Coach, said, "The turnout was fantastic, and it's exciting to see middle and high school students connecting and cheering each other on." She added, "Students from different schools are meeting, building camaraderie, and demonstrating great sportsmanship." The tournament was held in collaboration with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation and featured students from ten schools around Northern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls basketball squad's winning streak would stop at five Friday night as they would lose at home to Great Northern Conference foe Lakeland, 55-45. After going into halftime tied at 18, the Hatchets would allow a 16-0 run to begin the second half. Tomahawk also struggled defensively after Freya Alberg fouled out with eight minutes remaining. Lizzy Arnott led the way in scoring for the Hatchets, putting in a career-high 15 points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 7-3 on the season and 3-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Monday night for a non-conference showdown against Northland Lutheran.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys basketball squad would start 2026 with a sour defeat at the hands of Lakeland in Minocqua, losing 65-18. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-8 on the season and 0-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Tuesday for another Great Northern Conference showdown at home against Mosinee.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News The Lincoln County Veterans Service Office announced the continuation of an outreach program in Tomahawk. While their office is located in Merrill, this service provides a convenient location for veterans in the Northern half of the county to meet with the veteran's service officer to receive assistance with benefits and services such as compensation, education and training, healthcare, and housing assistance. According to LCVSO Matthew Pultz, the decision to continue these visits was made in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback from veterans in the community. He says they recognize the importance of making services easily accessible to all veterans. This outreach program is just one way they are working to achieve that goal. The service is hosted at Tomahawk City Hall every other Thursday. The next opportunity is January 22. While they will accommodate walk-ins if time allows, vets are encouraged to call the Veteran's Service Office to schedule an appointment.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' wrestling squad would go 2-2 in their Duals at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Friday night. Tomahawk finished 13th out of 16 teams in the meet. The Hatchets would lose their first two matches of the day to Holmen, 42-21, and Bonduel, 48-24. Tomahawk would bounce back and defeat Kickapoo/La Farge, 54-12. The Hatchets would then end the day with a 42-30 victory over Eau Claire North. Tomahawk's dual record now stands at 4-3 on the season. The Hatchets' next time on the mats is Tuesday in St. Croix Falls.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin teen who killed a prison guard during a fistfight has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide but is claiming he's not responsible for his actions because he was mentally ill. Court records indicate 17-year-old Javarius Hurd entered the plea Friday. He also pleaded guilty to one count of battery by a prisoner. Prosecutors dropped a second battery count in exchange for the pleas. The next step for Hurd is a February jury trial to determine whether he's legally responsible. According to court documents Hurd was an inmate at the state's youth prison when he attacked two counselors in June 2024. One of the counselors fell during the fight and later died.

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