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BBB: Choosing Right Tax Preparer Published on 01/25/2023 under News

Tax season is officially underway. For those utilizing a tax preparer, officials are reminding filers to do a little research.

The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin recently shared a few tips on finding someone you can trust with your finances and other sensitive personal information.

They note that when it comes to choosing the right kind of tax preparer for you personally, much will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. That can include non-credentialed prepares, enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys.

•The Bureau recommends asking about fees ahead of time, and make sure there are no hidden costs.

•It's also wise to ask about availability, both during the tax season and also if any situations arise after filing.

•Be wary of spectacular promises on larger-than-usual refunds, as well as those offering refund anticipation loans.

•Like many services, referrals from friends and family are one of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer.

This year's tax deadline is April 18, though they typically advise people to file quickly to avoid fraud attempts.

In Other News

Tomahawk City Council: Mayor 'Hob', City Council Members Sworn In

Published on 04/22/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council held their first regular meeting post-election. While outgoing mayor Steve Taskay gaveled in the meeting, one of the first agenda items was the oaths of office for winning candidates. That includes new Mayor Michael 'Hob' Habeck who will take over for Taskay after leading the city over the past decade. The swearing in ceremony also include five city council members Pat Haskin, Don Nelson, Steve 'Ding' Bartz, Bob Soward, and Tadd Wegener. Bartz and Soward are both incumbents who won via write-in after no other candidates filed paperwork. Nelson and Wegener are both former alderman returning to the office. After the oaths of office, the council members unanimously re-elected Jeff Kahle as council president. He was the lone nomination. As part of the re-organizational meeting, the Council also approved Mayor Habeck's committee recommendations as presented. It was an otherwise routine meeting. The Council approved several special event applications for returning celebrations. The council approved a previous recommendation to fund the replacement of two police squads. A borrowing resolution is part of the planned Nelson Lane Utility Project. The city is applying for a match grant from the DNR, and the borrowing would cover the city's portion of $350,000. If the city is not selected for the grant, the borrowing would be canceled and the project delayed. The city went through a similar process last year. The Council also approved a resolution for the Fire Department to participate in the State's Public Safety Interoperable Communication System which will help in inter-agency communications via department radio systems.

Published on 04/22/2026 under News In the days following Friday's tornado, support continues to pour in for those impacted in the Ringle area. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin says more than 120-thousand dollars has already been donated to its Emergency Relief Fund. They're working closely with local partners and a community advisory group to make sure funds reach those who need them most both now and in the weeks ahead. This includes immediate needs like clean-up, but also longer-term support like mental health services and help for families facing delays with insurance claims. Tim Parker, President and CEO says, "We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of generosity. This is a powerful reflection of how deeply people care about their neighbors and their community." Officials stress that 100 percent of donations are going directly to relief efforts. The Foundation says updates will continue as recovery efforts move forward.

Published on 04/22/2026 under News In a bit of "beak-ing" news, Wisconsin Public Service has launched this year's peregrine falcon naming contest. This year people can vote on names inspired by familiar faces from local TV newsrooms. The peregrine falcon chicks hatching at the Weston Power Plant will receive bird-themed takes on local anchors from Channels 7, 9, and, 12. Just a few of the options include Egg-nes Kozina, Jeff Talon, and Bird Miller. The chicks in other WPS/We Energies nesting boxes around the state will get similar names representing their local broadcast markets as well. Voting is open through May 5 on the WPS website, where fans can also keep an eye on the nest box cams for signs of hatching eggs. Once the chicks hatch, they'll be named and banded before eventually leaving the nest. Over the years, more than 460 of the once-endangered peregrine falcons have hatched at the WPS and WE Energies facilities. Each year has naming themes with recent examples include Wisconsin Olympians, the Founding Fathers, and Wisconsin College mascots. WSAW Newschannel 7 anchors Birdie Davies in honor of Emily DaviesFalcon Taylor in honor of Erinn TaylorBen Helwegg in honor of Ben HelwigKassandra Skypeda in honor of Kassandra SepedaJeff Talon in honor of Jeff ThelenSpencer Soarman in honor of Spencer FurmanDale Flyman in honor of Dale RymanFlock Holley in honor of Mark Holley News 9 WAOW anchors Kyle Prey-zorski in honor of Kyle PozorskiBird Miller in honor of Brad MillerJustin Flown in honor of Justin LoewFalcon Garlock in honor of Jackson GarlockKeegan Flewitt in honor of Keegan Hewitt WJFW Newswatch 12 anchors Divin' Biggs in honor of Devin BiggsIan Airris in honor of Ian FarrisDrew Eggshelli in honor of Drew CelliDan Hatchin' in honor of Dan HagenFlock Force in honor of Jake ForceGeoff Feather in honor of Geoff WellerMichael Flownholz in honor of Michael LodholzEggnes Kozina in honor of Agnes Kozina

Published on 04/22/2026 under News While people will be going green for Earth Day, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is recognizing Go Orange Day, which highlights work zone safety at the start of a busy construction season. The annual event, on the fourth Wednesday of April, encourages people to wear orange in support of the men and women who work on roads and bridges across the state. Transportation officials say the day also serves as a reminder for drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones. Speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving remain the leading causes of crashes in construction areas. They note that simple actions like putting the phone down and giving crews extra space can help keep both workers and drivers safe during the 2026 construction season. WisDOT is encouraging residents to take part by wearing orange and sharing photos on social media to spread awareness.

Published on 04/22/2026 under News Earth Day has special meaning here in Wisconsin. Former Governor and Senator Gaylord Nelson was instrumental in creating the worldwide movement. People are encouraged to use the day as inspiration to protect the planet all year long. Simple actions around the home can make a difference. The DNR offered up a few tips for people looking to reduce their environmental footprint with a few changes around the home. It can be as simple as reducing food waste by shopping smarter, composting, and recycle. Check for leaks around the home to conserve water. And around your property, focus on native plants and trees while leaving a natural space to improve habitat for wildlife including pollinators. And throughout the month of April the DNR and the 'Friends' groups who volunteer at state park properties will be hosting Work, Play, Earth Day opportunities for chores and upkeep like raking, litter clean-up invasive plant removal, and installing benches and picnic tables.

Published on 04/22/2026 under News Deputies are investigating a hit and run resulting in injuries in Oneida County yesterday morning. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, a 59 year old woman reported being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Kelly Fire Lane and Rozell Road in the town of Little Rice. That call came in at shortly before 8am. According to the release, the initial investigation showed that a vehicle operated by 59-year old, Robert R. Cookson of Little Rice, struck the victim and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies located Cookson's vehicle and conducted a traffic stop a short time later. The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad bounced back Tuesday afternoon at Hatchet Field with a big Great Northern Conference win over Merrill, 4-1. The Hatchets got a complete game victory from Cameron Kraklow, who allowed just one run on seven hits. Averi Petta finished with an RBI triple and a run scored. Autumn Merrigan provided the clutch hit, knocking in a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth to put the Hatchets up 4-0. The win puts Tomahawk at 3-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets go back on the road for a GNC Doubleheader against Antigo Thursday. Game One is at 4:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News A lasting tribute to Vietnam veterans will soon have a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College is set to dedicate a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Nicolet College hosted The Wall That Heals in May 2023, serving as one of just 31 sites nationwide selected for the traveling exhibit, which honors the more than three million Americans who served during the Vietnam War. College officials say that sense of connection is part of what makes the permanent display so significant. Specialist Casey Lehmann, an Army veteran and Nicolet College employee who helped coordinate the visit, says the exhibit brought people together in remembrance and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed. The wall panel was gifted to Nicolet College by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in appreciation for hosting the exhibit. It will be mounted on a custom steel base created by veterans participating in a Nicolet College community education welding class. To commemorate the arrival, Nicolet will be hosting a ceremony a week from Thursday (April 30) at 1pm at the Lakeside Center Patio.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Spring and summer bring plenty of outdoor projects, and residents and professionals alike are reminded to always use Digger's Hotline before breaking ground. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. The goal is to serve as a reminder to call 811 before every digging project, large or small. Officials say this will prevent injuries, while avoiding repair costs and potential fines that occur when underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines are damaged. PSC Chair Summer Strand says, "No matter the size of a project, a free call to 8-1-1 before digging can keep our communities safe and connected." While major projects may be obvious, Diggers Hotline should also be used for smaller work such as installing a fence, a mailbox, a patio, trees or hedges. They recommend a call or schedule an appointment online at diggershotline.com three days before you begin.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Just a heads up from the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office, they will be closed next week. Staff will be attending a training session, which they noted is essential for professional development and required for continuing education. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says, "These efforts ensure we continue to provide the highest level of service and expertise to our local veterans." For urgent matters, vets can use online resources provided by the WDVA or VA. Non-urgent inquiries can be submitted via email or voicemail and will be addressed promptly when staff returns. The office will resume regular hours on Monday, May 4.

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