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Lincoln County Hosting 'Community Baby Shower' for Expecting Families Tuesday Published on 10/01/2024 under News

There is a popular phrase, "It takes a community to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County several groups are teaming up to ensure new parents are ready when their littlest ones come home for the first time.

The Lincoln County Health Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County Parenting Support Network, are hosting a Community Baby Shower which is coming up Tuesday afternoon. Previous events, in Tomahawk this spring and Merrill last fall, were well-attended and well-received.

Lexi Buntrock, a public health educator for the Lincoln County Health Department explained, "This event is a one-stop-shop that connects expecting families and those with young children, with the education and resources they need and want, right here in our community."

Participants will receive a care package that includes educational materials and baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and a starter toothbrush. They'll also have booths, resources, and demonstrations on topics such as car seat checks, childcare, child nutrition, breastfeeding, early literacy and safe sleep for babies.

The Community Baby Shower is free for expecting parents, along with grandparents, families, and other caregivers for children 0-18 months. Kids are welcome as well.

No registration is required and it's an open-house style event. It's scheduled from 3pm to 6pm Tuesday at the Lincoln County Service Center.

In Other News

Season-High Turnout, Near-Record Jackpot Awarded at WaWui Bingo

Published on 07/30/2026 under News It was a season-high turnout for WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk on Wednesday, and one lucky player walked away with a near-record payout. Tasha Tennant of Brantwood is a regular at the weekly summer bingo sessions, and her dedication paid off in a big way. Tennant filled her card during the night's blackout game to claim a massive $5,529 jackpot. That's one of the top five largest payouts in the history of the progressive game. While the blackout game required players to cover their full card in 59 called numbers or fewer, Tennant managed to complete hers in just 55 calls. As progressive jackpots grow each week, so do the crowds. The volunteers reported 210 players on Wednesday, marking their biggest turnout of the summer season so far. This marks the second progressive jackpot awarded this summer, following opening night in May when two players split a prize of nearly $4,000. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo directly support operations and facility improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. Games return next Wednesday, when the progressive jackpot will reset.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While summer is still in full swing, it won't be long before hunters head out into the field looking to harvest a deer. That includes participants in Wisconsin's special Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced this week that eligible hunters can now contact sponsors to secure land for the upcoming October 3–11 season. Timing for the second weekend, overlaps with the statewide Youth Deer Hunt. On those two days, eligible hunters with disabilities can hunt all lands, even those not enrolled. However, for the first seven days of the season (October 3–9), hunting must take place on an approved sponsor's property. The DNR says more than 70,000 acres have been made available across 47 counties, including several properties right here in the Northwoods. A full sponsor directory is available on the DNR website, and hunters can contact landowners directly to sign up. Because some smaller properties have limited capacity, officials encourage hunters to make arrangements as soon as possible ahead of the September 15 enrollment deadline. The announcement coincides with Disability Pride Month in July, as the DNR highlights its ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility so everyone can enjoy Wisconsin's outdoors.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News No criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved in a fatal shooting in Forest County earlier this summer. Dodge County District Attorney Andrea Will was brought in as an independent prosecutor to review the May 23rd shooting death of 51-year-old Floyd Vanzile Junior in the Town of Nashville. According to state investigators, officers from the Crandon Police Department, Forest County Sheriff's Office, and DNR responded to reports of an active shooter firing a rifle at an occupied housing complex. Two Crandon police officers and a DNR conservation warden returned fire, striking Vanzile. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In her final report, DA Will wrote that Vanzile was an "active shooter firing with complete disregard for human life." She concluded that officers acted in self-defense and that their use of force was objectively reasonable to protect both themselves and the public.No officers or civilians were injured.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News After spending June helping residents strengthen their social connections, the Lincoln County Health Department is now encouraging the community to take the next step toward a healthier lifestyle. The department's new Healthy Lifestyles Passport Challenge kicks off Friday, inviting anyone who lives or works in Lincoln County to complete simple activities throughout the month of August that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Public Health Promotion and Education Specialist Lexi Buntrock says the goal is to help families and individuals build healthy habits they can continue long after the challenge ends. Participants earn points by choosing activities like visiting a farmers market or trying new fruits and vegetables to hiking a local trail or taking a walk with a friend. Other points are awarded by visiting the Health Department booth at a Farmer's Market or National Night Out, or even checking out a book about health and nutrition. (list of examples) Those who complete the Challenge by the end of August have an opportunity to win prizes. Passport forms are available at the Lincoln County Health Department or can be printed off online. Completed forms are due by September 11. Additional information is available on the LCHD website.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News An investigation is underway into the death of a driver following a vehicle pursuit through Lincoln into Marathon County. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County deputies requested assistance shortly after noon while pursuing a southbound vehicle on County Highway K that had crossed the Marathon County line. Minutes later, dispatchers received reports that the vehicle had crashed near the intersection of County Highway K and Rainbow Drive in the Village of Maine, north of Wausau. Deputies arrived at the scene and found the driver, a lone male occupant, deceased inside the vehicle. No additional details have been released, including the identity of the driver or what initiated the pursuit. An outside agency, the Wood County Sheriff's Office, is leading the investigation. Authorities stated that all deputies involved were operating marked squad cars equipped with in-car camera systems and were wearing body-worn cameras. In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative duties.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News It's hard to believe, but Tomahawk's summer concert series is winding down. However, there are still two more weeks this season to enjoy live music in Memorial Park. Music on the River enters week six of seven tonight. For the penultimate show of the summer, the Tomahawk community welcomes back a popular series regular: Copperbox. Led by a husband-and-wife duo, this Oshkosh-based foursome plays a wide array of instruments across a variety of styles including jazz, pop, and rock. They have toured the country coast to coast, sharing stages with iconic acts. In fact, they'll be opening for Al Jardine of the Beach Boys tomorrow, and have a gig at the Wisconsin State Fair next month. While tonight was originally scheduled as the season finale, concertgoers get a bonus show on August 12th featuring the rescheduled performance by The Cougars. But first, it's time to welcome Copper Box. As always, music starts at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Tomahawk.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee held preliminary discussions Tuesday to examine room tax management, reviewing proposals to update local ordinances and potentially increase the tax rate. Room taxes apply to hotels, motels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals such as Airbnb. Under Wisconsin law, at least 70% of room tax revenue must be dedicated to local tourism promotion and development, while municipalities may retain up to 30% for general fund purposes or municipal projects. The City contracts with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce as its designated Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to manage tourism allocations. In a written proposal, the Chamber made several requests to the committee, including a 1% increase in the room tax rate. At 4%, Tomahawk's rate is lower than neighboring communities such as the Lakeland area (5.5%), Merrill (6%), and Rhinelander (7%). During the meeting, Mayor Michael "Hob" Habeck suggested exploring the creation of a dedicated Tourism Commission to provide additional transparency and oversight regarding how funds are managed. Discussions were preliminary, and no formal action was taken. The Finance Committee scheduled a special meeting for August 19, when the city attorney will be present to address any legal questions and ordinance proposals. A couple of other quick notes from the Finance Committee meeting... The Committee approved a request from Public Works for a series of improvements to the city garage to be paid out of their reserve fund. This included a new lift, garage door track repairs, and new LED lights in the shed which they anticipate could result in saving through energy usage. The Committee also approved a request from the Friends of Tomahawk Airport to release funds from an account for airport purposes to offset some of the recent airport improvements funded by FOTA members.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News Thanks to a series of watch parties hosted by the League of Women Voters, more than 200 voters across Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District gathered last week to evaluate congressional candidates. Those efforts received positive feedback from both attendees and organizers. The candidate forum offered a rare chance for hopefuls from both major parties to share a stage ahead of the partisan primary, with five candidates participating in the nonpartisan broadcast. Seven LWV chapters organized eight watch parties across the district, including the Northwoods Chapter, which hosted 26 community members at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. Post-event surveys revealed that 90% of respondents gained a clearer understanding of the candidates and key issues, while 90% also felt the format offered a fair, balanced platform. Additionally, nearly half of attendees entered the event with little to no prior familiarity with the candidates. League President Debra Durchslag shared that the overwhelmingly positive response reinforces the organization's mission to deliver unbiased voter education.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News As fall hunting season approaches, the DNR is launching a new round of funding through its Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Grant program. The grants support initiatives that teach safe, ethical hunting and outdoor skills to beginners and seasoned hunters alike. Past funding has helped local organizations build scholastic clay target teams, upgrade archery ranges for youth clubs, host inclusive hunting expos, run Learn to Hunt workshops, and provide adaptive equipment like outdoor wheelchairs. Individuals, community organizations, schools, universities, and Wisconsin tribes are all eligible to apply. Overall, $75,000 is being award, with recipients capped at $25,000. The deadline to submit an application is September 15.

Published on 07/28/2026 under News While the Fox Valley took the brunt of the storm, severe weather swept through the Northwoods on Monday morning, causing widespread property damage and leaving thousands without power. Moving from northwest to southeast, the storm hit northern Oneida, Vilas, and Forest Counties the hardest within our listening area—affecting communities including Eagle River, Land O' Lakes, Crandon, and Three Lakes. Listeners reported skies turning as dark as night, accompanied by frequent lightning, powerful wind gusts, and torrential downpours. Severe hail was also reported, with some stones measuring several inches in diameter. The storm's destructive winds and downed trees triggered widespread power outages. Wisconsin Public Service reported roughly 8,000 customers without power across the Northwoods around midday Monday, concentrated mostly in Vilas County. Crews have been working around the clock, cutting that number down significantly. As of daybreak Tuesday, about 1,000 outages remain, split evenly between Vilas and Oneida counties. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries in the Northwoods.

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