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Tomahawk Elementary Celebrates 40th Annual Red White and Blue Day Published on 05/25/2023 under News

An tradition returns to the Tomahawk School District today with the annual Red, White, and Blue assembly.

Each Spring, the district has offered the patriotic program often working with local veterans groups. This marks a special anniversary, the 40th edition of Red, White and Blue Day. As the name implies, the students are encouraged to wear the colors of the flag today.

Organizers have called an excellent experience and a great opportunity for the students to get to interact with our area veterans.

This afternoon's presentation will feature numerous performances and music from elementary age students. This year's theme is Together:Lessons from the Garden inspired by the book If You Plant a Seed.

The program will be held at 1:30 in the school Fieldhouse and the public is welcome to attend.

In Other News

Fatal Vilas County Crash Tuesday Morning

Published on 01/28/2026 under News One person is dead following a crash in Vilas County Tuesday morning. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, responders were called to Highway 51 near Trapp Road in Arbor Vitae for a head-on collision. The call came in at around 10:30am Tuesday morning. Based on their preliminary investigation, they said the southbound pick-up truck likely lost control and crossed over the center-line where it struck an on-coming dumptruck. The driver of the pick-up truck, a 34 year old Three Lakes man was pronounced dead at the scene. The report indicates he was not wearing a seat-belt at the time of the crash. His name is being withheld pending notification of family. The driver of the dump truck was not injured in the crash. Crews were on the scene for more than 5 hours. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 01/28/2026 under News To kick off the New Year, more than two dozen state properties hosted First Day Hikes. Despite a bitterly cold day, it was well-attended. The DNR provided some of the participation numbers. Overall, there were 32 First Day Hikes across 28 properties. There were more than 2,161 total participants, who hiked a combined 3,543 miles. Partner organizations and Friends Groups organized, led and supported many of these hikes and provided hot drinks, warming fires and even baked goods to those braving the conditions. First Day Hikes are part of a national effort organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. Across the country, there were 1,399 First Day Hikes nationwide. More than 73,000 people showed up, tracking more than 150,000 miles.

Published on 01/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's male swimmers would go 2-0 in their double dual at Medford Monday night. The Hatchets began the night with a 69-57 victory over the host Medford. Tomahawk would then defeat Lakeland to cap off their night, 81-20. The Hatchets had six first-place finishes in the double dual. Dane Dekiep would place first in the 100 backstroke and 200 IM. Bruce Peetz took the top spot in the 200 Freestyle and the 50 Freestyle. This concludes the Hatchet Boys' Swim regular season. Tomahawk finishes with a 5-7 dual record. The postseason for Tomahawk begins February 6th at the Great Northern Conference Invite in Lakeland.

Published on 01/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader at Rhinelander Monday night. Tomahawk's boys lost their seventh straight game and their seventh Great Northern Conference game, losing to the Hodags, 90-25. As for the girls, they would surrender 38 second-half points, losing to the Hodags, 72-33. Freya Alberg led the way in scoring for the Hatchets with 16 points. The Hatchet boys now sit at 2-13 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk's girls fall to 9-7 on the season and 3-5 in GNC play. The Hatchet boys are back in action Friday against Northland Pines. Tomahawk's girls are back on the court Tuesday in Wausau East. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News The Town of Boulder Junction is turning 100 next year, and the community is planning to celebrate. To recognize this milestone anniversary of their founding, the town established a Boulder Junction Centennial Committee plan festivities. In the works are a town-wide birthday party, a historical theater performance, a special Musky Jamboree parade, an art installation, a commemorative plaque, and a history publication. They're also looking for the community to help by providing memories. On Monday, the Committee put out a call for people to share photos and stories of their times in Boulder Junction that will be used throughout the celebration. They even provided a list of potential story topics like favorite places, first memories, falling in love (with the town or another person), funny stories, or even animal encounters. The committee did remind people to make sure the stories are true and kept PG-13. They've already got a Facebook page and a website at BoulderJunctionHistory.org with updates, information, and contacts.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk is encouraging residents to be mindful of what they're flushing down toilets and dumping in drains. The warning comes from the Waste Water Department after several issues at the treatment facility due to improper items being placed into the system. Among items of concern are grease, paper toweling, sanitary products, and even flushable wipes. Crews note that these items do not easily break down and can cause major clogs in pipes, pumps and other equipment. That results in overtime calls, emergency repairs, and even home backups. These items should instead be placed into the garbage.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News Aspirus Health facilities in the region have once again been recognized for their efforts when it comes to trees. The Arbor Day Foundation recently named all 18 Aspirus Health hospitals as 2025 Tree Campus institutions. That becomes even more impressive considering fewer than 75 hospitals in the entire country are designated as Tree Campus institutions. The program recognizes healthcare facilities, along with schools and universities for their dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree investment, education and community engagement. For health care facilities specifically, trees and green spaces have been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce stress for both patients and caretakers. Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation said, "By integrating trees and green spaces into their campuses, Aspirus hospitals are not only creating healing environments today, but they are also building a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities in the future." There are certain criteria facilities must meet to receive the recognition. That includes maintaining a tree advisory committee, investing in a tree campus program, and completing a community forestry project.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News A popular chocolate bar promotion is returning to the downtown Rhinelander, just in time for Valentine's Day. Monday marked the start of Downtown Rhinelander Inc's annual Taste of Chocolate fundraiser. They've once again partnered with Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe to produce 1,200 bars of chocolate in 12 specialty flavors for the promotion. Just a few examples include chocolate waffle cone, sea salt caramel, and dark chocolate amaretto. Taste of Chocolate is one of the DRI's largest fundraising efforts, while also bringing people into the district to visit the more than two dozen participating businesses. And they also took a page from Willie Wonka by hiding golden tickets into the packaging twelve chocolate bars. The lucky recipients will be entered into a drawing for Downtown Rhinelander Bucks, the district's promotional currency. While the promotion runs through February 14th, it is while supplies last. With just 1,200 bars, they typically go quickly. Additional information including participating businesses are found on the Downtown Rhinelander Facebook.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News A Tennessee man convicted of shooting a Lincoln County man in the shoulder last year was ordered to serve 12 years in prison. Bobby Dabbs was back in Lincoln County Court Monday for his sentencing hearing. In November, the 27 year old pleaded no contest to 1st degree reckless injury and resisting or obstructing an officer. As part of the plea agreement, three other charges dismissed, but were considered during yesterday's sentencing. Deputies initially investigated a shooting in the Gleason area last February. The victim was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The suspect, identified as Dabbs, had left the scene. He was arrested the following month in Tennessee and extradited back to Wisconsin. After the initial 12 year prison sentence, Dabbs was ordered to serve 8 years of supervised release. He'll be ordered to pay court costs, and restitution will be determined.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News Those flying out of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport will be able to check out artwork created right here in the Northwoods by student artists. The airport partners with ArtStart to host rotating art displays throughout the year, highlighting local artists and entertaining weary travelers. The latest airport exhibit features the work of artists currently studying at Nicolet College. It includes a variety of mediums and highlights the next generation of creativity here in the Northwoods. The exhibit opened last weekend, and it will remain on display through the end of February. The exhibition is open to non-travelers as well, and parking at the airport is free up to 4 hours making a visit easy.

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