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LCHD-Be Mindful of Blue-Green Algae Blooms; Swimmer's Itch Published on 07/05/2024 under News

One of the benefits of being here in the Northwoods during the dog days of summer... a lake or river is never too far away.

Those looking to take a quick dip in the water should be mindful of some common health concerns. We recently heard from the Lincoln County Health Department about both blue-green algae and swimmer's itch.

Starting with blue-green algae; the name itself can be misleading as it appears in a rainbow of colors. It's typically described as looking like paint spilled on the water surface. It becomes a health concern when in bloom, and exposure can lead to a variety of symptoms from skin irritation and itchy eyes to headaches, ear aches and nausea.

Meanwhile, the Health Department notes that swimmer's itch is caused by a parasite. It typically leads to an allergic reaction and skin rash. It generally doesn't require medical attention, but it may be uncomfortable none-the-less.

Warming temperatures and calm waters can increase the risks. Watch for posted warnings, and assess the water before jumping in. The Health Department offered up a common saying, 'when in doubt, stay out.'

It's always a good idea to rinse off after swimming in a lake or river, and of course, keep pets out of questionable waters as well.

In Other News

Tomahawk Music on the River Announces Summer Concert Line-Up

Published on 04/27/2026 under News It won't be long before Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk is once again filled with the sound of music. This past week, organizers of Music on the River announced the line-up for the nineteenth season of the summer concert series. Once again a mix of fan favorites and newcomers, they'll feature a little something for everyone, no matter what genre of music is a favorite. It all kicks off June 17 with a returning fan favorite. The Cougars will be back on the prowl in Tomahawk. Then over the next six Wednesdays it'll be: B.D. Greer with The Gents (June 24); Ember (July 1); The Ramble (July 8); Johnny and the Motones (July 15); The Jimmy's (July 22); The series will close out on July 29 with Copperbox. As always, these concerts are free. They're held in the riverside pavilion at Veteran's Memorial Park offering not only viewing by land, but also by water. Of course stay tuned to WJJQ each Wednesday as we'll preview that night's concert. _____ Speaking of music announcements, Tomahawk Main Street announced the headliner for the Fall Ride Street Dance. Rockers Jackyl will be returning to the Northwoods to play the 45th edition of the Fall Ride, with local rock band Storm opening. They also announced a pair of shows, Friday and Saturday, from Nashville recording artist Brooks Herring along with some additional supporting acts from around the region.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Authorities in Lincoln County are investigating a fatal incident that followed a traffic stop near Tomahawk over the weekend. According to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday at just before 5 p.m. along Highway 51 north of County Road A. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had initiated a traffic stop when the occupant of the vehicle fled. According to the release, the driver sustained what is believed to be a self-inflicted fatal injury. Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with officers from the Tomahawk Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say no additional information is being released at this time.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Firefighters from across Oneida County spent Saturday practicing life-saving skills during a specialized training in vehicle extrication. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue hosted the day-long "Heavy Rescue Training" class at its station, bringing together crews from multiple departments for both classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios. The training was led by instructors from Midwest Fire Tactics. Participants worked through a series of simulated rescue situations set up on-site, giving firefighters the opportunity to practice extrication techniques in a controlled environment. Officials say the training helps crews learn new methods and refine their approach when responding to serious crashes. Departments taking part included Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Newbold Fire Department, Crescent Volunteer Fire Department, Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Cassian Volunteer Fire Department, and Little Rice Fire Department. Organizers also thanked T&M Towing and Repair for providing vehicles used in the training, and Dinges Fire Company for supplying AMKUS extrication tools.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News An estimated 1 in 3 Wisconsinite's use private wells for their drinking water. And the Lincoln County Health Department is reminding these property owners to ensure their drinking water is safe. Erin Ray is an environmental Health Technician with the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "The only way to know what is in your water is to test." She added that spring is the perfect time to do so. Over the next few weeks, they are specifically focused on arsenic testing by offering two collection periods, this week (April 27-May 1) and then again May 11-15. They recommend property owners have their wells tested for arsenic once every 5 years. Elevated arsenic levels are associated with a number of increased health risks. The DNR has grant money available for those who find elevated levels of arsenic in their water supply. The arsenic testing kits are $40 at the Health Department, and you can contact their office for more information. Their water lab can also test for bacteria and nitrates.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Another new road construction project is getting underway in the Rhinelander area, while several ongoing projects continue. According to the DoT's weekly project update (a full list of projects is available online), crews will begin summer-long work on Highway 8 between Highway 47 and 17 north this week. The project will including new pavement, along with several single lane roundabouts at Highway 8 intersections at 17 South and County G. During construction, traffic will be detoured through Rhinelander. Work is schedule to run into September. As for other projects in the area: Here in Tomahawk, crews continue to work on the Highway 86/County D bridge that crosses Highway 51. The overpass remains closed through May 11. North of Tomahawk, Work continues on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and Oneida County L. That segment is temporarily closed and detoured through May 15. The project is scheduled to continue for a month after the re-opening, with temporary lane closures. And in Minocqua, crews are working on Highway 51 between the Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. A summer-long project, they will maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction throughout the work. Work is scheduled to run into November.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage of the spring-like weather this weekend to finish up yard work can have it removed this week. It's time once again for then annual City of Tomahawk spring yardwaste pick-up. The Public Works Department will be out each morning collecting curbside yard waste. They did offer a reminder of rules. First and foremost, clean up is for brush and yard waste only. The brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the curb. Leaves should be placed in plastic bags, no other garbage should be in those bags. Items should be set out no later than 7am each morning. If you miss this week's pick-up, CITY OF TOMAHAWK RESIDENTS ONLY, can drop off those items at the city yard waste collection site located off South Tomahawk Avenue.

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad would go 1-2 in their invite at Twining Park in Monroe Saturday afternoon. The Hatchets started off the day with a 12-9 victory over Beloit Memorial. In that game, the Hatchets got home runs from Autumn Merrigan, Averi Petta, and Siennah Caulkins. Camryn Kraklow picked up the win, allowing seven runs in three innings. Game Two saw Tomahawk lose to Orangeville, Illinois, 14-13. Petta had another monster game, knocking two out of the park and batting in six. Ellie Micke would have two hits and three RBIs. The Hatchets' final game was a defeat to the host Monroe, 9-1. Tomahawk's lone run came on a sacrifice fly by Sophie Olsen in the first inning. The Hatchets had three hits and four errors in the loss. Tomahawk now sits at 4-7 on the season and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will travel up to Eagle River Tuesday for a Great Northern Conference Showdown with Northland Pines. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad would place fifth in their first Great Northern Conference meet of the season in Merrill Friday afternoon. The shorthanded Hatchets finished with a team score of 347, seven strokes behind Merrill. Oliver Childers finished as the low golfer, placing seventh with a 78. Jordyn Carew and Jaxon Kaiser placed second on the team with an 84. Tomahawk's next GNC Meet is at Inshalla Country Club Tuesday. Tee-off is at 3:00.

Published on 04/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Track & Field Squads competed at the Northland Pines Eagle Outdoor Relays Friday evening. Tomahawk came away with seven total second place finishes in the meet. Beau Stromberg placed second in the triple jump while Luke Morrison placed second in the long jump. Placing second in the High Jump and Pole Vault, respectively were Reagan Gorrell and Alicia Voermans. Voermans was also a part of the 4x200 Relay and the SMR 800 runs that placed second. The Hatchets' next meet is in Wautoma next Friday.

Published on 04/24/2026 under News After nearly a decade on the job, one of Lincoln County's most recognizable deputies is trading in her badge for belly rubs and boat rides. K-9 Nina, a longtime member of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, is retiring after nine years of service, wrapping up her final shift Thursday. Nina was trained as a dual-purpose tracking and narcotics detection dog, and paired with Deputy Sam Steckbauer. They worked their first shift on June 19, 2017. Over the course of her career, Nina was deployed hundreds of times, assisting in both civil and criminal cases. She helped track lost individuals and played a role in numerous drug-related arrests, becoming a valuable asset to the department. Beyond her work in the field, Nina was also a familiar face at community events, where she quickly became a favorite among residents. In retirement, they said Nina will remain with Detective Steckbauer and his family. They said her retirement will also include plenty of well-earned rest, pontoon rides, barking at the mail carrier, and the occasional treat including a little extra pumpkin mixed in with her kibble.

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