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Local Girl Scout Cookie Prices Unchanged Despite Increases in Other Regions Published on 10/03/2023 under News

While Girl Scout cookies in some regions are seeing a price hike, those in the Northwoods will remain the same.

That's according to a news release from the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, which oversees the Scouts in our area. The clarification comes after some chapters including those on the east coast announced a $1 per box increase in pricing for the upcoming season.

The news release states, "Despite the challenges posed by inflation and rising costs, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes has worked diligently to ensure that there will be no increase in Girl Scout Cookie prices this year."

Folks in our region will still have to wait a few months to get their hands on favorites whether Thin Mints or Caramel DeLites. The local sales period kicks off January 17 and runs through the end of March.

In Other News

Inspect Boat Trailers Ahead of Fishing Opener

Published on 05/01/2025 under News The fishing opener just a few days away, and anglers are going over their final fishing checklists. Local law enforcement are reminding folks to check trailers as well. For many, opening of fishing weekend will be the first time to launch their boats this year. Before pulling out of the driveway, it's a good idea to do a quick inspection of the trailer. Areas to focus on include making sure the tires are good shape, and the lights are working properly. The ball and hitch assembly should be the same size and latch securely. As a back up, utilize the safety chains; crisscrossing them under the tongue of the trailer to prevent the it from bouncing should disconnection occur. And make sure anything being stored in the boat during transport is properly secured to avoid life jackets, tackle boxes, coolers, or other gear from being blown out onto the road and creating a hazard for other travelers. In addition to a safety inspection, the DNR often reminds anglers to check trailers, boats, and props for aquatic invasive species as well.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Today is the National Day of Prayer and several Northwoods groups are among those hosting events today. The formal observance of a National Day of Prayer came from President Harry Truman in 1952. It's now held annually on the first Thursday in May. The goal is to allow participants, regardless of faith or denomination to bring unity to their community and share a common focus while praying for all. National organizers estimate some 30,000 observances around the country will be held. That includes right here in Tomahawk, where the Associated Clergy of Tomahawk will once again team up to hold a ceremony in Veteran's Memorial Park. They said their theme of the program is "Be Joyful in Hope." In addition to clergy, the program will also feature the Honor Guard and students from St. Marys. It's scheduled to begin at 10:30am; attendees are encouraged to bring along a chair. And following the program, attendees are invited to participate in their "Prayer Walk." The group will make there way through the community to pray for residents and businesses. Rhinelander is holding a similar event outside the Oneida County Courthouse getting underway at noon.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Wisconsin Public Service is warning its customers about a sudden increase in scam phone call. According to the warning,the scammers are using familiar tactics, posing as a WPS employee and threatening customers with disconnection if an immediate payment is not made. The utility provider says customers across their service area in Northern Wisconsin have seen an uptick in these scam calls this week. Scammers request customers provide banking information or send money using unusual payment methods. This includes crypto, pre-paid cards, and third-party money transfer apps. Among the tips WPS offered, "Follow your instincts." If a call, email, or text seems suspicious; hang up or delete. They said: "It's not rude; it's safe." Customers can verify their account and bill status by using the phone number on your bill.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Those meeting are winding down, and Lincoln County is on the docket for tonight. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. This year, the Northern Forest Zone recommendations will be based on habitat-based deer management units rather than county line boundaries. The Lincoln County meeting is scheduled for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News A man charged in connection with a police standoff in Langlade County two year ago was ordered to serve nine years in prison after reaching a plea deal. According to court records, Roger Houghton Jr. of Nekoosa was back in court. The 43 year old was set to go to trial next week, but reached a plea agreement. Charges were the result of an incident that occurred at a home in Antigo in June of 2023. A woman initially reported a domestic incident, and upon arrival law enforcement learned of children in the home. Communicating with negotiators, Houghton eventually released everyone, but remained in the home until the following morning. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. Houghton was initially facing 12 charges, but court records show he pleaded 'no contest' to three counts: kidnapping; threatening a law enforcement officer; and disorderly conduct-domestic abuse as a repeat offender. The remaining charges were dismissed, but considered during sentencing. Following the plea agreement, the case moved into sentencing. Judge John Rhode ordered Houghton serve nine years of initial confinement followed by ten years of extended supervision.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News It's been a month since an ice storm crossed the Northwoods, and repair efforts on damage to the Hodag Dome continues. The school district provided another update on their progress. They said recent favorable weather, especially calm winds, have allowed the repair crew to safely and efficiently remove much of the water puddled on the dome surface. Weather permitting they hope to finish that step in the coming day and begin to reinflate the dome next week. This will allow them to begin repairing three known structural tears—located near the main support pole, a light fixture, and the northeast corner of the dome. The final step will be an interior assessment. They still hope to complete the repairs and have the the facility re-opened by the end of May. The district also said in the update that they are working closely with their insurance provider to fully investigate the cause of the back-up generator failure, and to identify steps to prevent a similar issue in the future.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News A church in Tomahawk will be getting a new home after winning a bid on a property from the City of Tomahawk. Last month, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee put out a request for proposal for the former Lincoln Industries building on Kaphaem Road. RFPs were opened at Tuesday's meeting, with the only proposal submitted by the Rock Church in Tomahawk. After some discussions, the committee accepted the $45,000 offer. Rather than a simple high-bid-wins process, interested parties were required to submit plans for the property. Several members of the congregation were on-hand at Tuesday's meeting to further make their pitch. They envision a seven-day-a-week location, not just for church activities, but as a community hub. They offered a lengthy list of potential partners including the ADRC, Red Cross, mental health services, and environmental and educational courses. Ahead of the vote, committee members briefly discuss the lack of property tax a church building would generate, one of the city's goals in divesting property. A payment in lieu of taxes was briefly suggested, but quickly abandoned. The RFP process didn't require the committee accept any proposal, however in the end, the Committee voted to accept the RFP from the Church. With the results of the vote clear, church membership in attendance expressed emotional gratitude as well as a round of applause. The city originally acquired this property from Lincoln County envisioning a public safety building. Feasibility studies led the city in another direction,and the building has sat empty for several years. The larger parcel was subdivided, with the sale property was approximately 3.2 acres including the building and the parking lot. Clerk Amanda Bartz noted several other parties expressed interest and walked through the building. The RFP from the Rock Church was the only one they received. Over the past year, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee has been taking inventory of all city owned properties with a handful being sold or being considered for sale. Additional Vacant Lots Sold That wasn't the only property on the agenda at what was a lively Finance Committee meeting. Two other lots were sold via a more traditional bidding process. There was game-show atmosphere as Clerk Amanda Bartz opened of sealed envelopes and revealed the bids. The first was a small parcel off Highway 86, awarded to the winning bid of $5,750. The next lot up for bid is located on Deer Park Road. It was sold to the adjacent property owner for $20,101. A third lot, also on Deer Park Road, initially had a bid submitted by the Kwahamots; however Dave Koth, on behalf of the ski club, asked their bid be withdrawn. The Kwahamots utilize several city lots for parking purposes and requested a larger discussion. That topic will be placed on a future agenda.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council held a special meeting Tuesday as they continue efforts to secure a large grant for a proposed utility project on the city's west side. Over the past several months, the Council has been working with engineering firm Ruekert and Mielke on the steps necessary to receive a Community Development Block Grant. The city is planning improvements called the Nelson Lane Water Main Relay project. Located off CC, the main purpose would be expanding and looping the water main to improve low water pressure in the neighborhood. They would also re-line the sewer pipes and repave roads. The City is seeking a $1 million CDBG grant, which would require a partial match of $350,000 from the city. There are certain policy criteria the city must meet.At last night's meeting the council approved three additional resolutions related to the project and grant application. This included a guarantee of the partial match payment, as well as city borrowing to cover that cost. They did clarify that the loan would only be taken out if the grant is awarded and the project moves forward.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News Throughout the month of April, Nicolet College has been highlighting the value and importance of the school to the Northwoods. It's part of a nationwide celebration of Community College Month. The primary goal of the campaign is to improve awareness of the economic, academic, and employment advantages of attending community colleges. A recent survey of high school students, adults, and employers in the Nicolet College district revealed a widespread appreciation for the college. Results showed the college fosters lifelong learning (87%), is accessible to everyone (85%), supports students with resources (85%), and prepares them for in-demand careers (84%). Nicolet president Kate Ferrel says, "We are deeply appreciative of our communities' support for us since the first classes started in 1967. We've heard countless stories from our graduates, young and old, how one learner's education can positively impact generations of families and help local economies thrive."

Published on 04/30/2025 under News Summer roadwork will be ramping up in the coming weeks, and that includes some local work here in Lincoln County. Earlier this month, Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer offered a preview of the local construction calendar. That includes resurfacing projects on segments of five county highways, 13 miles in all. •CTH A – Erickson Road to Willow Road (1.54 Miles) •CTH C – CTH JJ to CTH K (1.5 Miles) •CTH CC – STH 8 to Somo Dam Road •CTH E – US 86 South to Spirit River Bridge (1.48 Miles) •CTH U – US 8 to CTH A (2.11 Miles)This work is currently scheduled to begin today and they hope to have work done by the Fourth of July holiday. During work, roads will be limited to local traffic and lengthy delays can be expected at times.

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