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Tomahawk Community Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Lunch Published on 11/24/2022 under News

The Tomahawk community will once again provide the opportunity for people to enjoy Thanksgiving with their neighbors and friends.

Volunteers have once again been busy in the kitchen for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Organizers are planning on serving up a traditional holiday meal including turkey and all the fixings. And best of all, it's free. Organizers note the meal is a way to give back to the community and provide for those that may otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving.

Dine in is available, but seating is limited. Those same volunteers will also be delivering meals to those who previously signed up for that service. For those that would like to stop by, the meal is at St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center from 11am to 1pm.

In Other News

Merrill Man Charged with Animal Neglect Reaches Plea Agreement

Published on 06/11/2026 under News A Merrill man originally facing nearly 50 charges related to animal neglect has reached a plea agreement. Thirty-five-year-old Matthew Krautkramer was back in Lincoln County Court on Wednesday. He was arrested earlier this year following an animal welfare check at a vacant home he owned, where officers discovered numerous cats, both alive and deceased. Krautkramer told investigators he had moved out of the residence but was attempting to continue caring for the animals. While he initially faced 48 charges, Krautkramer pleaded guilty to four counts of mistreatment of an animal causing death. The case moved directly to sentencing, where Krautkramer was ordered to serve 32 days in jail with Huber privileges, along with three years of probation. As part of his sentence, Krautkramer is strictly prohibited from owning, possessing, caring for, or having any contact with pets or animals.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Hatchet football team will be a bit safer on the field this fall, thanks to a donation from the Green Bay Packers. Tomahawk was one of 10 Wisconsin high school football programs selected to receive $7,500 worth of new helmets through the Packers Helmet Give Back Program. Manufactured by Schutt and VICIS, the new gear will be delivered this summer to supplement or replace the team's existing equipment. The donation is part of the Packers' broader football outreach efforts through Packers Give Back, made possible through partnerships with Ticketmaster and Certor Sports. Packers officials noted that player safety was the driving force behind the initiative, which aims to help schools provide athletes with the top-tier equipment needed to compete safely. "The program helps ensure student-athletes have access to quality safety equipment while allowing schools to dedicate limited budgets to other needs within their football programs," said Packers Football Outreach Manager Ryan Fencl. The upgrade comes at a perfect time for the Hatchets, who are currently building on a successful stretch on the field that included a deep run in the WIAA playoffs last fall. The 10 recipients were selected from a pool of more than 200 applications. Tomahawk joins Abundant Life Christian School, Arcadia, Hillsboro, Milwaukee School of Languages, Peshtigo, Reedsburg, Stanley-Boyd, Waupun, and Weyauwega-Fremont as recipients in this year's cycle.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Generally when you grab a book from the library you have to bring it back. But a monthly summer sale, allows patrons to bring materials home for keeps. The Friends of the Tomahawk Public Library are bringing back their summer book sale with the first coming up today. Friends of the Library member Nancy Herbison said the sales help raise money for library programs and other needs that may fall outside the library's regular budget. This includes sponsoring guest speakers and presenters, children's activities, as well as helping fund improvement projects on the library grounds. Visitors will find a wide variety of materials available, including hardcover and paperback books for adults, teens and children, as well as fiction and nonfiction titles. And while it's called a book sale, they'll also feature puzzles, audio books, magazines and videos. Instead of setting prices for each item, people can name their own via donation. The first sale is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tomahawk Public Library. Additional sales will be held July 8, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News A partnership between the Tomahawk School District and Lincoln County to bring a dedicated social worker to campus has moved one step closer to reality. At its meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board accepted a grant funded by Lincoln County's opioid settlement dollars to support the position starting next school year. Approved last month at the recommendation of the county's Opioid Settlement Task Force, the county will contribute $154,000 over four years, while the district will cover the remaining costs. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry said the position will help bridge gaps between schools, families, and social services, while addressing the growing social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Lincoln County Social Services Director Jessi Rumsey told board members that many children and families need support but do not meet the threshold for Child Protective Services intervention. A dedicated school social worker can connect families with resources, coordinate services, and provide early intervention before problems escalate. Ultimately, the position will allow the district to take a more proactive approach to student and family needs, reducing demands on county services over time. Rumsey noted that the goal is to invest in prevention and strengthen protective factors for local families. The next steps will involve establishing the formal position and beginning the hiring process.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News An early morning fire damaged a single unit of a Vilas County condominium building on Tuesday, but quick action by fire crews kept the flames from spreading to neighboring units. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire on Golf View Road in the Town of Washington at around 4 a.m. Upon arrival, crews observed flames coming from one unit of the six-unit building. Officials said the fire was successfully contained to the unit of origin, limiting damage to the rest of the building and allowing residents in neighboring condos to evacuate safely. The unit where the fire broke out was unoccupied at the time. While the rest of the building was saved, the affected unit sustained extensive damage to its first floor. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Harley-Davidson announced Tuesday that it is bringing production of several major motorcycle lines back to the United States from overseas. That's good news right here in Tomahawk, where the iconic motorcycle company operates two manufacturing plants. Under its new "Back to the Bricks" strategy, Harley-Davidson will return assembly, machining, and painting for its Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster models to facilities in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The company noted that shifts in the global trade environment and U.S. trade policy factored into the decision. Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson, "Bringing this work back home is another important step in getting back to the bricks, investing in American manufacturing, and building on our values." According to the announcement, the transition will support dozens of union jobs and is expected to be complete by 2027, just in time for the 2028 model year.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Two people were injured Sunday after a pair of motorcycles crashed near Tomahawk. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Somo Dam Drive near County Highway CC in the Town of Wilson. Deputies determined that both motorcycles were traveling east on Somo Dam Drive when the lead motorcyclist slowed down for debris in the road. The driver of the trailing motorcycle failed to notice in time and struck the lead bike from behind, causing the trailing driver to lose control and crash. Four people total were riding on the two motorcycles. Two of them were transported by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News With a jump in temperatures this week, the Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be aware of pavement buckling on roadways. According to the DoT, when temperatures go from cool to hot conditions in a short time, pavement slabs expand and press against adjacent sections. When the pressure builds high enough, it can cause the pavement to buckle resulting in unexpected bumps or dips. The DoT says it is difficult to predict if or where buckling may occur. They're asking motorists to slow down, wear a seat belt, and focus on the roadway ahead. Watch for any roadside workers including highway crews repairing damaged pavement. Report buckled pavement to a local law enforcement agency. Picture provided by Wisconsin DoT

Published on 06/09/2026 under News With summer right around the corner and temperatures expected to climb over the next few days, local health officials are sharing tips on how to stay cool and safe during the coming months. Lincoln County Public Health Educator Kristin Bath is reminding residents that the county partners with 14 locations across Tomahawk, Merrill, and Gleason to serve as designated cooling centers. These air-conditioned facilities offer relief to residents and visitors during periods of extreme heat. In the Tomahawk area, designated cooling centers once again include: City Hall, the Library, Senior Center, Our Sister's House, and Strikers Tomahawk Bowl. (Full list below) These locations are typically open during their regular operating hours. Any facilities interested in becoming a designated cooling center are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Health Department. Bath also shared several heat safety reminders: • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. • Limit Activity: Minimize strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours. • Monitor Health: Watch for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others—especially vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. Lincoln County Cooling Centers: Gleason Bowling Center N5353 State Hwy 17, Gleason (715) 873-4588 Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-9405 Lincoln County Service Center 801 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 539-1019 MAC Home Warming Center 407 W. Main Street, Merrill (715) 722-1200 Merrill Enrichment Center 303 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 536-4226 Our Sisters' House 328 East Washington Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 224-3520 Riverside Athletic Club 500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2481 Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC) 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill (715) 536-7313 Strikers Tomahawk Bowl 309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-3245 T.B. Scott Free Library 106 W. First Street, Merrill (715) 536-7191 Tomahawk City Hall 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk (715) 453-4040 Tomahawk Public Library 300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-2455 Tomahawk Senior Center 113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-5757 Wal-Mart 505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2414

Published on 06/09/2026 under News A dip in the lake can be refreshing on a hot summer day. Up in Oneida County the Health Department is making sure some popular swimming spots are safe. The Oneida County Health Department will be conducting weekly water quality testing at popular swimming areas during the summer months. This includes Buck Lake and Boom Lake Beaches in Rhinelander, Torpy Park in Minocqua, Sugar Camp Lake in Sugar Camp, and Maple Lake Beach in Three Lakes. The goal is to help families and beach-goers make informed choices by identifying when E. coli bacteria levels become temporarily elevated, which can lead to illness. Staff will also monitor the beaches for general cleanliness and blue-green algae blooms. To inform the public, they'll use a stoplight color system: green-go ahead; yellow-caution; red-stay out. Samples will typically be collected on Mondays and Tuesdays, which allows time for a follow-up test if bacteria levels come back high. Weekly results will be posted on the Oneida County Health Department's website and Facebook page, and updated signs will be placed directly at the beaches. Testing begins this week.

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