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Hodag Music Festival Draws Big Names, Crowds to Rhinelander Published on 07/11/2024 under News

The Rhinelander community is going a little bit country this weekend for one of the largest music festivals in the area.

Now entering year 46, the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander continues to draw some of the most popular country performers to the Northwoods. This year's lineup includes: Ashley McBride; Bailey Zimmerman; Walker Hayes; and Chris Young.

With big names comes big crowds, as people travel from across the Midwest, many camping right on site for the four day party. More than 30,000 people attend the festival each year. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates the event has more than a $10 million economic impact on the Rhinelander area.

Many of those visitors were on hand last night for the modified 'chair line.' While some would argue there are no bad seats on the festival grounds, the Wednesday night tradition allows participants to place their chairs based on a random draw.

As for the music, it gets underway this afternoon and will continue through Sunday evening.

In Other News

Fire Danger Elevated in Northern Wisconsin

Published on 05/07/2025 under News Officials are warning the public about elevated wildfire conditions this week, especially in Northern Wisconsin. A relatively dry stretch and our warmest temps of the season have once again raised wildfire risk. According to the DNR, spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. They've already responded to more than 650 wildfires this season which have burned more than 2,200 acres. This week alone, there have been 55 wildfires, with a growing number in the Northwoods, two in Lincoln County, five in Oneida County, and three in Vilas County. The DNR says, even a few days between precipitation can dry out grasses, pine needles and leaf litter, creating hazardous conditions. While southern Wisconsin is starting to green up, they note the 7-day forecast shows little precipitation for much of northern Wisconsin, exacerbating the conditions in areas already in High or Very High fire danger. The DNR is continuing to suspend burn permits in 30 counties where it has burn restriction authority. They're also encouraging people to play their part, using caution with anything that could create a spark. Debris burning it typically the leading cause of wildfires, but people should also be mindful of campfires or grills, off-road vehicles, trailer chains, and equipment like chainsaws and lawnmowers.

Published on 05/07/2025 under News A Merrill area teen has been recognized for jumping into action in an emergency. Lincoln County Sheriff Ken Schneider recently awarded Noah Klug with a Letter of Commendation for his outstanding conduct. According to the Sheriff's Office, those actions happened on February 10th when Noah was driving past the scene of crash. He stopped to provide assistance to the victim. Certified in life-saving measures, the 17 year old initiated CPR. He was giving chest compressions when Deputy Vogel arrived on scene. She described Noah as 'calm and collected.' As emergency responders took over, they said Noah remained on the scene and provided information. The Sheriff's Office wrote, "We are impressed with (Noah's) composure and his actions, given the seriousness of the situation and the fact that he is seventeen years old. Noah's actions reflect great credit upon himself, his family, and the members of this community." Noah was joined by parents Josh and Megan Klug when he accepted the Letter of Commendation from Sheriff Schneider.

Published on 05/07/2025 under News Two Northwoods communities are among those selected to receive funding to create or enhance public spaces. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced the latest recipients of their Vibrant Spaces Grants. In all 27 communities will share in $1.1 million for projects such as outdoor performance locations, public marketplace space, mural walks, and pocket parks. Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC says, "People want to live and work in thriving communities and offerings like parks, trailheads, and town squares create places for people to gather and hold events as well as boost nearby businesses and improve quality of life." As for the local recipients, Rib Lake received $50,000 to help construct a bandshell and outdoor performance stage. And Eagle River Revitalization received $50,000 for an improved trailhead and trail crossing at Highway 45. The proposed project will also improve wayfinding signage and information boards for trail users exploring their downtown district.

Published on 05/07/2025 under News We received several announcements from Lincoln County this week... The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced that the Harrison Hills Summer ATV Trail system and the Underdown equestrian and bike trails will open as of Thursday at noon. They note that trails will be in early season condition with wet spots and soft areas, so caution is advised. Meanwhile, they also announced that the New Wood Campground will be temporarily closing on Monday morning, May 12. This is to install electric service to the campsites. No estimate on the reopening of the campground was provided. We'll pass along any updates as we receive them. And a pair of announcements from the Lincoln County Highway Department will replacing a culvert under Highway 107 in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday, May 7. As a result 107 will be closed between South End Road and Lone Pine Road from 8am-4pm. They also announced that the spring weight limits will end on gravel portion of County E as of noon Thursday, May 15.

Published on 05/07/2025 under News The first Wednesday in May marks the return of WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk. For more than 30 years now, the weekly summer bingo games have served as an additional revenue source and fundraiser for Wawui which operates the SARA Park facility. The games feature a rotating stable of bingo callers, volunteers, and some special themed nights. Along with the players themselves it's a community atmosphere. Many regulars have lucky tables, daubers and other charms to help them win the prize. For those unfamiliar, the first series of games offer traditional games and smaller prizes. The final game, players hope to black-out their card in a set number to claim the progressive prize. The jackpot builds each week it's not claimed, occasionally topping $5,000. Last year, two jackpots were won. Wawui Bingo takes place each Wednesday night in the summer at SARA Park. Doors opening at 5:30 and games begin at 7pm.

Published on 05/07/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council approved several community events, including the two largest on the celebration calendar. The May meeting of the Tomahawk City Council was relatively short, with most of the agenda items related to special event applications, six in all. That includes the annual 4th of July celebration, known as Powwow Days. The series of events are organized by the Tomahawk Lion's Club. There were also three Fall Ride applications: the Downtown Festivities hosted by Tomahawk Main Street; the SARA Park activities, hosted by the Tomahawk Chamber and WaWui; and the annual Friday Night Thunder Parade. The final two applications were for the Music on the River concert series and the High School Homecoming Parade. With these events already well-established, there was minimal discussion by the council before each was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Published on 05/07/2025 under Sports The Hatchet baseball squad stunned the Great Northern Conference with an upset over defending state runner-up and conference leader Mosinee at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field Tuesday, winning 4-0. The Hatchets got an all-around performance from senior Brody Rigney. On the mound, Rigney pitched his second complete game shutout of the season, allowing just four hits while striking out seven. Rigney also had a two-run single in the third inning. Tomahawk also got two hits from catcher Drew Tollefson. The Hatchets' record improves to 5-7 and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will go for the season sweep of the Lakeland T-Birds Friday. The game will be broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show will begin at 4:35 and opening pitch is at 5:00. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 05/07/2025 under Sports The Hatchet golf squad came away with their highest finish in the Great Northern Conference meets so far this year, placing second at Bass Lake Country Club in Antigo Tuesday, placing second. The Hatchets finished with a team score of 337, finishing 13 strokes behind first-place finisher Lakeland. The Hatchets had two golfers placed in the top ten. Austin Lamer finished fourth and Oliver Childers placed sixth. The next meet for Tomahawk is Friday in St. Germain. Tee-off is at noon.

Published on 05/07/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads came away with sixth-place finishes at the Lakeland Outdoor invite Tuesday. On the boys' side, Tomahawk had two first-place finishers in the met. The 4x100 meter relay team finished with a time of 48.08 seconds. Nathan Rosenmeier placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 5'10". For the girls, the Hatchets had two third-place finishers. Alicia Voermans placed third in the pole vault with a mark of nine feet even. Elise Gibeault placed third in the 300 meter hurdles, clocked at 51.44 seconds. The next Tomahawk track and field meet is Friday evening in Merrill. Field Events begin at 5:00.

Published on 05/07/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad would get dominated by defending state runner-up Mosinee at the Hatchet Softball Complex, losing, 18-3. The Hatchets would give up at least three runs in four innings, including six in the fourth. Lydia Ziert finished with two hits and two RBIs on the day. Tomahawk's lone extra-base hit came on a double from Abi Micke. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-9 on the season and 2-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets go back on the road Thursday to take on Lakeland. First pitch is at 5:00.

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