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Northern Waters Ice Shelter Removal Deadline on Sunday Published on 03/17/2023 under News

Another sure sign the end of winter is approaching, deadlines for ice shanty removal, and we've got one more to pass along for anglers in the northern third of the state.

The state is divided into two zones, largely separated by Highway 64. The first deadline, for those shacks located on Wisconsin southern waterways, came and went earlier this month.

Those using ice shacks on waters north of Highway 64 got an extra few weeks. Shanties on those bodies of water must be removed by Sunday. When removing those shelters, anglers are reminded to remove any garbage and debris left behind.

Permanent Shacks not removed by their specific dates are subject to a fine. The DNR says portable shelters, removed daily and when not in use, can still be utilized.

In Other News

Aspirus Wausau Hospital Opens New Dual Helipad

Published on 12/10/2025 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has opened a new dual helipad that expands its capacity for emergency air transport and supports faster access to advanced medical care for patients across north central Wisconsin. The upgraded facility replaces the former single landing space and positions two landing pads adjacent to the emergency department for direct, rapid patient transfer. The new helipad was developed in response to growing MedEvac demand. Aspirus receives more than six hundred helicopter transports each year, often involving patients who require immediate trauma, cardiac, stroke or specialty services. The dual landing zones allow aircraft to arrive without delay, particularly during incidents with multiple patients or simultaneous requests. "This helps us move patients quickly and safely to the care they need," said Chad Eckhard, Base Aviation Manager and helicopter pilot. "It is better for the patients, safer for the crews and a positive step for the community." The site incorporates several upgrades designed to increase safety and reliability. A heated snow melt system keeps the landing surface clear throughout winter, pilot-controlled lighting enhances visibility during landings and future GPS flight approaches will support access in lower visibility. These features reduce operational delays and improve safety for both patients and clinical teams. The helipad project aligns with broader facility planning at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, including recent emergency department expansion and long-term growth of specialty services.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News A local hospital will be getting into the holiday spirit with a special tree lighting ceremony this evening. For the past month, the Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Foundation has been collecting donations for their Love Lights Tree. Sponsors were able to reserve a white light in memory of a loved one or blue lights in the honor of a relative, family member or friend. Last year more than 200 lights were dedicated as part of the ceremony. Proceeds will be used by the Foundation to improve the health and wellness of the Tomahawk Community. This includes both Aspirus Foundation programs like their youth bike helmets, hospital/clinic resources, and even community non-profits. Coming up this evening the Foundation will hold a dedication and lighting ceremony at the hospital at 5:30pm and the public is invited to attend. The event will include local vocalists sharing Christmas songs. The tree will remain lighted throughout the holiday season.

Published on 12/10/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad gutted out their fifth straight win to begin the season, coming from behind to defeat Great Northern Conference rival Northland Pines, 6-5, Tuesday night. The Hatchets trailed by two goals in the first and second periods before coming back to get their third conference win of the season. Jonah Dickens' second goal of the night gave Tomahawk the lead with under two minutes remaining. The Hatchets also got goals from Jett Reilly, Brayden Lamer, and Caiden Reichelt. Tomahawk improves their record to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Saturday afternoon for a non-conference showdown with 2025 state qualifier Somerset. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show will begin at 1:35 and opening face-off will be at 2:00 from SARA Park Saturday.

Published on 12/10/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' basketball squad suffered their third straight loss at the Hatchet House Tuesday night, losing to Tigerton, 79-40. The Hatchets were unable to overcome a dominating performance from Junior Center James Brady. Jerry Johnson led the way in scoring with 11 points for the Hatchets. Ryan Montag added ten. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Thursday for the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader @ Three Lakes. Tip will be at approximately 7:15.

Published on 12/09/2025 under News On Monday in Weston, Gov. Tony Evers signed "Bradyn's Law", creating a new crime of sexual extortion in Wisconsin. The new law, Assembly Bill 201, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 48: • Creates a new crime of sexual extortion; • Includes graduated penalties on offenses depending on the actor, the act, the victim's actions, or the victim's age; and • Modifies and expands the crime victim compensation program, including by adding a victim's suicide or attempted suicide to the list of acts that may be compensated by DOJ. "Bradyn's Law" was introduced in response to the tragic passing of Bradyn Bohn, a 15-year-old student from the Wausau Area who took his own life earlier this year as a result of a sexual extortion, or "sextortion," scheme. The FBI defines sextortion as a crime where offenders coerce minors to send explicit images, using them for extortion. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force noted a rise in sextortion-related tips, with 237 cybertips received in 2024, up from 176 in 2023. They also have resources for online safety on their website.

Published on 12/09/2025 under News While we're still in the fall hunting season, hunters need to begin planning for next year. The DNR is reminding hunters of a pair of deadlines for tag applications is quickly approaching. Both black bear permits and spring turkey authorization applications must be submitted by the end of the day Wednesday. The spring turkey season begins in mid-April, the fall in September. The bear season also opens in September. Both are divided into zones across the state, and applicants are encouraged to review them before submitting an application. Due to the high interest, bear hunters may need to apply for several years before receiving a permit through the drawing. Turkey hunters can typically apply for multiple zones and weeks, in order of preference. The DNR says the drawings for turkey permits will be held in January, bear in February.

+ Read More Jeans for Teens

Published on 12/09/2025 under News 'Tis the season to be generous. The holiday season is fast approaching and sadly this year there are still many families left struggling to just get by. About 17 percent of children in the Northwoods live below the poverty level. These children may go through their day to day life without the necessities needed to live a healthy life such as food, shelter, and clothes. Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA would love to help these children out in its latest service activity; Jeans for Teens. From December 17th - January 6th, the group will be collecting gently used jeans and giving them to teens and others in the community who need them. Please help out FBLA/DECA by donating some of your old jeans. The collection sites to drop off your jeans donations are: Rhinelander High School, James Williams Middle School, Crescent Elementary School, Pelican Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Maurices, Rhinelander District Library, Campfire Coffee & Creamery (A'La Mode), Bath and Body Creations, and the YMCA. Look for the big box wrapped in colorful Christmas paper. Jeans of all conditions and colors will gladly be accepted. Donated jeans will go to the local Frederick Place so children and families in our area can feel the love and warmth.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News Tomahawk middle schoolers have been getting into the holiday giving spirit. The students are planning to make Christmas cards for the elderly population in our community including the senior living and nursing homes. The school-wide community service project is being led by the middle school PBIS committee. They're currently asking the community to contribute art materials that could be used in making the cards. This includes any old holiday cards, and other Christmas or winter-themed scrap-booking materials, stickers, ribbons, and markers. The collection got underway last month and continues through December 15. That will allow students time to get those cards made and delivered in time for the holidays. Any donated materials can be dropped off at the middle school office.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News A Medford man has died after falling through the ice in the Washington Flowage in the Township of Hammel Friday afternoon. According to a release from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, on Friday at approximately 4:17 pm the Taylor County dispatch received a 911 call from a woman reporting that her husband was out ice fishing on the flowage earlier in the afternoon and had not yet returned. Upon arrival, authorities saw a sled trail leading out to the open water. A sled was also located floating in the water. The release further states that Wings of Hope and Bruce's Legacy were contacted for their specialized equipment and expertise in open water searches, along with the Marathon County Sheriff's Office Dive Team. The deceased man, identified as 69-year-old Randall K. Runge, was located and carefully recovered. Authorities say there is no indication of foul play. Taylor County Deputies, along with Medford Fire personnel, Taylor County Emergency Management, and Taylor County EMS personnel were also dispatched to the scene and the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 12/08/2025 under News In a special check presentation on Saturday our Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 presented a check to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight for $30,000.00. In attendance was State Commander Ty Letto as well as veterans who participated in past Never Forgotten Honor Flights. Post 2687 has now funded 291 veterans for their Trip of a Lifetime to Washington. A big thank you to all the people who participated and volunteer workers in the Veterans Pool Tournament last month as nearly $19,000.00 was raised in that event and other donations to the VFW made up the donation.

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