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Fire in Building on Eagle River Resort Grounds; Lodge Safe Published on 07/12/2024 under News

Crews battled a fire at an Eagle River resort property overnight.

According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, responders were paged to the Wild Eagle Lodge at shortly before 10pm. The initial call indicated smoke and fire coming from a maintenance building on the property.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to that building, preventing it from spreading to any other nearby structure. The building was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

According to the release, no other damage was reported and the Wild Eagle Lodge is expected to remain open. The cause of fire wasn't immediately determined, though officials say it does not appear suspicious.

In Other News

Music on the River Week #3: The Jimmys Return to Tomahawk

Published on 06/25/2025 under News It's a summer Wednesday in Tomahawk, and that means another opportunity for live music. Tomahawk Music on the River is entering the middle stretch, week three of seven. The summer concert series is now in it's eighteenth season and another fan (and Jeff in the Morning) favorite returns. The Jimmys have become a regular here in Tomahawk. Known for their highly-energetic shows, the band which features a horn section and keys. In the past, they've even hopped aboard a shored pontoon to literally play music on the river. The Jimmys are also highly decorated with a lengthy list of Wisconsin-based music awards including this year's WAMI for Best Blues Band. Music is set to begin at 6pm at Memorial Park in Tomahawk. There is a chance at some rain this afternoon, so stay tuned to WJJQ for any announcements regarding a change in venue.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News For those planning a scenic summer road trip, the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Tourism have again partnered to release an updated guide featuring Wisconsin's designated Rustic Roads. The first Rustic Road was designated back in 1975, right here in Northern Wisconsin, Taylor County specifically. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "It's amazing to see how this program has grown and evolved since the first Rustic Road was designated 50 years ago." The program now features approximately 760 miles of scenic, lightly traveled country roads around the state, more than 125 in all. These roads are marked by unique brown and yellow Rustic Roads signs. Locally, they include: Vilas County Road K; Tesch Road in Lincoln County; Blue Lake Road, Sutton Road and Camp Pinemere Road in Oneida County. The guide also features five Wisconsin's Scenic Byways. Among them, the Nicolet-Wolf Scenic Byway which passes through Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties. Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers says,"Rustic Roads in Wisconsin continue to be popular destinations in all seasons. This guide is the perfect starting point for making memories exploring the friendly communities and natural beauty Wisconsin is known for today and for the next 50 years to come." The guides are free and available as a hard copy or a digital download.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News Over the past several years Vilas County has invested in expanding high speed internet. Now their Economic Development Corporation is launching a new campaign to tout the county as a broadband destination. According to the announcement, the campaign will promote Vilas County as an ideal spot for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and expanding businesses; balancing scenic beauty with digital opportunity. That's where the slogan 'Northwoods Charm. Big City Connection' comes in. Kathy Schmitz is executive director of the VCEDC. She says, "Five years ago, we developed a strategy to bring high-speed broadband to Vilas County and since then, we've gone from 5 percent broadband coverage to 86 percent." Schmitz added, "The rapid expansion of broadband now provides the ability to do business globally among Vilas County's beautiful lakes and forests." The campaign features real stories of people living and working in Vilas County utilizing high-speed broadband access as well as key partners in the expansion process.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2026 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The Tomahawk Library budget request overall is $507,000, with the city responsible for $213,000. That's a $3,500 increase or 1.6% from last year. Broken down further, about $360,000 goes towards wages and benefits; $90,000 for operations; and $51,000 on library. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. O'Hare says that those numbers have been rising and Tomahawk is receives one of the highest payouts in the area. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. There was minimal discussion by committee, though several members praised O'Hare for her work. They unanimously sent the budget to the full City Council for their meeting next week.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News Beer and bacon, steak and ribs, Tomahawk will be well-fed during some upcoming special events. The Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee approved applications for a half dozen events at their meeting last night including several based on food competitions. Starting with the familiar, the committee approved the Lions Club Thrilla on the Grilla rib cook-off. They'll be back at their usual location on Main Street on August 2. There are a pair of new events. Tomahawk Trailer is hosting a Kinship fundraiser at SARA Park known as Steaks for Kids. It's a two day cooking competition August 15 and 16. Sticking at SARA Park, WaWui is hosting a new event known as the Beer and Bacon Bash on October 4. It'll feature food trucks, a beer garden, a bonfire and entertainment. Technically we're half way to Christmas...the Committee approved Tomahawk Main Street's application for the second of the two part downtown Christmas celebration on December 12. The committee also checked off minor changes to the set up for Fall Ride and Oktoberfest. The event applications had already been approved. They were all sent on to the City Council unanimously.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News Earlier this year Kinship of Tomahawk launched a fundraising campaign as they look to purchase a larger building. On Monday, the youth mentorship program announced they had reached their first fundraising goal. Back in April, Kinship announced a tentative agreement to purchase the former Bradley Bank building on Main Street. But they had to raise approximately $300,000 by early July. They kicked off a fundraising campaign this spring, and on Monday shared three simple words..."We did it!" Director Patti Hilgendorf was able to share that another big contribution pushed them over the finish line. These donations have come in many forms large and small. Many local partners including businesses, organizations, and events have contributed to the cause making it a true community effort. And while they were able to celebrate this important goal, there is still work, and more fundraising, to be done. Purchasing the building is just phase 1. They'll also have to retrofit the former bank to accommodate Kinship programs and activities. They've established a Facebook page for their fundraising efforts that will include updates, events and opportunities to play a role.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News Lightning can come in the blink of an eye, and safety officials are reminding everyone, "when thunder roars, head indoors!" Tuesday is Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining Ready Wisconsin to make sure residents and visitors alike know the risks of lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle, says "Lightning is not just a seasonal or regional threat. It can occur in any state, at any time of day, and in any season." Among common activities where lightning strikes occur frequently: fishing, visits to the beach, camping, and farming. If you can't get inside when lightning begins, officials recommend seeking shelter in a vehicle. Ready Wisconsin says hiding under a tree doesn't help, and shelters like gazebos, dugouts, tents or picnic canopies won't offer needed protection. Lightning can even occur in sunny conditions, known as a 'bolt from the blue.' Lightning strike victims should be cared for immediately by calling 911 and performing CPR. Don't be afraid to touch a lightning strike victim – the human body does not hold an electrical charge.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News A group of local high school students got a crash course in law enforcement careers this past week. Nicolet College hosted a Criminal Justice Teen Academy this past week. During the four-day workshop, students learned about the training and requirements, different positions within the field, the functions of different law enforcement agencies, and the tools and equipment they use in the field. Local agencies got involved with demonstrations and hands-on exercises. For example, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office discussed their use of drones, the dive team, special response team and even the dispatch 911 center. With the law enforcement academy wrapped up, Nicolet will host a Fire and EMS Teen Academy this week. Jason Goeldner, associate dean of public safety at Nicolet College. "We need young people who are ready to step up for their communities and summer academies are a great place to start..." Nicolet hosts a number of academies across career fields such as culinary and engineering.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News From a winter ice skating trail to a new disc golf course, Boulder Junction has invested in a number of outdoor recreation projects in recent years. And early next month, they plan to highlight some of those accomplishments. The Parks Board announced the First Annual Boulder Junction Parks & Recreation Celebration Day on Saturday, July 5. Board Chair Laura Bertch says, "This event is all about celebrating the progress we've made in enhancing Boulder Junction's recreational spaces and looking forward to even more exciting opportunities ahead." They plan to specifically highlight four recent projects, starting with an all-inclusive playground. They're planning a ribbon cutting for basketball improvements and a sneak-peak of the Tall Pines disc golf course currently under construction. And they'll also look back at the successful debut of the Glide Ice Skating Ribbon which debuted over the winter. Bertsch says, "We invite everyone to join us for a day of food, fun and community spirit as we recognize these achievements and the people who made them possible." That celebrating will be held on the afternoon of July 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Boulder Junction Lion's Club Pavilion, located in the lawn area behind the Community Center.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News Charges have been filed in a two vehicle crash earlier this month in Oneida County that resulted in multiple injures. According to court records, 50 year old Holly Wilson of Hazelhurst is facing a half dozen charges including OWI 6th, 7th or 8th offense with an escalator for having a minor in the vehicle; operating while revoked; and failure to install an ignition interlock device. Wilson appeared in court remotely Friday for an initial appearance where bond was set at $100,000. That crash happened June 9 at the intersection of Highway K and Harshaw Road in the Town of Cassian. In addition to Wilson, three others were treated at area hospitals following the crash. Wilson is expected back in court again today for an adjourned initial appearance.

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