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Fire in Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest; 26 Acres Published on 10/10/2024 under News

A wildfire in the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest earlier this week is now under control.

According to a news release, the blaze, referred to as the 'Bear Paw Fire' was detected near the town of Mountain on Tuesday afternoon. The location was described as a semi-primitive area making it difficult to get in their fire suppression equipment.

It burned approximately 26 acres.

As of Wednesday's update, the fire was 100% contained and being monitored and managed by the CNNF east zone fire unit. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Wildfire danger remains elevated around the entire state. According to the DNR tracker, they investigated 24 wildfires over the past week, which burned approximately 57 acres.

In Other News

Tomahawk Lions Club Holding Community Wide Scavenger Hunt

Published on 06/03/2025 under News The Tomahawk Lion's Club is known for their Powwow Days celebrations. Ahead of the Fourth of July festivities they've brought back their community-wide scavenger hunt. The treasure hunt debuted last year as a way to get people excited for the annual Powwow Days celebration. Year one was popular with the people, and the Lion's wanted to bring it back for a year two. As for what people are looking for, it's the official Tomahawk Lions Club pins. They're about two inches by two inches and feature a pair of crossed hatchets above a red canoe forming a triangle. There are ten in all, and the Lions teased that they could be in parks, businesses, and other creative locations around town, but noted that they should be visible. Those who track a pin down, will receive a cash prize. They also hope to gather all the lucky finders during the Powwow Days festivities for a group photo in front of the classic Lion's truck. The contest began over the weekend and will continue until they've all been located. You can visit the Lion's Club Facebook page for additional information.

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Summer concerts are growing in popularity around the Northwoods, and the Village of Rib Lake is looking to build a new band shell to serve as a hub for music and other entertainment. Earlier this year, the Village was awarded a ($50,000) Vibrant Spaces Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation that will help support the construction of a new band shell and accompanying improvements at Ice Age Park. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes made a stop to location this past week. She says, "The Vibrant Spaces project in Rib Lake is a great example of how rural communities can turn creativity and community vibrancy into a lasting impact." The village plans to install a permanent bandshell with a retractable screen and projector, improved lighting, walking paths, benches, and signage. The improvements will allow the park to host concerts, movie nights, community events, and local festivals. The project will also connect the park to other attractions via ADA accessible paths. Located just steps from Rib Lake's Main Street, the enhanced amenities and increased programming at the new park are expected to draw more foot traffic to nearby downtown businesses. Kristen Lueck, Rib Lake Village Clerk and Treasurer says, "With the park so close to downtown, we're hoping it becomes a natural spot for visitors and residents to visit."

Published on 06/03/2025 under News With summer right around the corner, local health officials used the opportunity to talk about staying cool and safe during the coming months. Lincoln County Public Health Educator Kristin Bath offered a reminder that Lincoln County partners with a dozen locations in Tomahawk, Merrill and Gleason to serve as designated cooling centers. These are air-conditioned facilities where residents and visitors can get relief from extreme heat during the summer. Here in the Tomahawk, designated cooling centers once again include Tomahawk City Hall, the Tomahawk Public Library, Tomahawk Senior Center, and Strikers Tomahawk Bowl. They are typically open during their regular hours.We'll include the full list of all Lincoln County Cooling Centers including those in the southern half of the county in the online version of the story. And any facilities interested in becoming cooling centers can also contact the Lincoln County Health Department. They also offered a few other summer heat reminders: stay hydrated; minimize strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day; and monitor for heat-related illness, not only for yourself, but vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. Gleason Bowling Center N4878 Hwy 17, Gleason, (715) 873-4588 Monday, 11 am—close, Wednesday —Saturday, 11 am—close, Sunday, 11 am—9 pm Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill , (715) 536-9405 Monday —Thursday, 11 am —9pm, Friday, 11 am —11 pm, Saturday, 3 —11pm Lincoln County Service Center 801 N. Sales Street, Merrill Monday —Thursday, 8 am —4:30 pm, Friday, 8 am—1 pm Merrill Enrichment Center 303 N. Sales Street, Merrill, (715) 536-4226 Monday —Thursday, 8 am—4:30 pm Riverside Athletic Club 500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill , (715) 536-2481 Monday —Thursday, 6 am —8 pm Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC) 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill, (715) 536-7313 Monday —Friday, 7:30 am—4pmStrikers Tomahawk Bowl 309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-3245 Wednesday—Sunday 12pm—11pm (hours may vary) T.B. Scott Free Library 106 W. First Street, Merrill, (715) 536-7191 Monday—Thursday, 10 am —7 pm, Friday, 10 am 5 pm, Saturday, 10 am —1 pm Tomahawk City Hall 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk, (715) 453-4040 Monday—Friday, 8 am—12 pm, 1— 5pm Tomahawk Public Library 300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-2455 Monday —Thursday, 10 am —7 pm, Friday, 10 am —5 pm, Saturday, 10 am —1 pm Tomahawk Senior Center 113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-5757 Monday—Friday, 9 am —3 pm Wal-Mart 505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill, (715) 536-2414 Monday —Sunday, 6 am —11 pm

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Bug bites and stings are a routine part of summer, especially during outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, or spending time in the backyard. While most afflictions can be treated at home, others may need professional medical care. Olivia Bishop is an Aspirus pharmacy resident. She says, "There are many different bugs you might encounter during the summer, such as mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and spiders." She added, "Each one can bite or sting in its own way, and the symptoms can vary." For mild reactions with itchiness, she suggests an over-the-counter topical treatment like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. Oral allergy medications can also help with widespread itching. Ice can be useful for swelling and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. But serious cases may require a doctor's visit. Bishop noted swelling around your face, eyes or lips or symptoms like hives, nausea, vomiting or trouble breathing can be signs of anaphylaxis and a trip to urgent care is recommended. You should follow up with your provider if a bite or sting is not healing.

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Some stormy weather in the forecast Tuesday means shoppers at the Tomahawk Main Street Farmer's Market will have to wait an extra week. The popular downtown Farmer's Market was set to return for the season starting today. Unfortunately, heavy rains and high winds along with the possibility of some thunder and lighting led organizers to postpone. They wanted to err on the side of safety when it comes to both their vendors and the shoppers. The season debut of the Tomahawk Main Street Farmers Market is now scheduled for Tuesday June 10. They'll be back at their familiar location on the North 3rd Street Block.

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Two people were injured in a crash in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that collision happened Sunday in the Town of Corning. Responders were paged to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Corning Road and County Z. Based on the preliminary investigation, deputies determined a truck, traveling north on Corning Road, failed to stop at the stop sign. It was struck in the intersection by a vehicle traveling east on County Z. Both drivers reported minor injuries, and the driver of the truck was transported to a local hospital. According to the Sheriff's Office, that driver was also cited for failure to stop for a stop sign. It was a relatively quiet Sheriff's Report...A 60 year old Merrill man was arrested for first offense OWI.A 46 year old Antigo woman was taken in for operating with a restricted controlled substance after a driving complaint and traffic stop.The number of vehicle vs animal strikes remains elevated with 12 deer collisions and one bear collision reported on Lincoln County roadways this week.

Published on 06/03/2025 under Sports The Hatchet baseball team gave #1 seed and #5 in Division 3 Elk Mound their whole effort, but came up just short at Village Park Monday, losing in the WIAA Regional Semifinal in walk-off fashion, 4-3. Tomahawk scored the first two runs of the game and held a 2-1 lead until the fourth inning. After Elk Mound took the lead on an RBI groundout in the fifth, the Hatchets responded with a triple from Cash Olsen and an RBI single from Brody Rigney to tie the game at 3-3. Regardless, the Mounders would get the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to score on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Kaden Moyer, scoring centerfielder Kamron Diermeier. Rigney pitched 5.1 innings of work, giving up just three runs on six hits while striking out six. Rigney also went three for four at the plate with three singles. Olsen finished two for three with a triple. Drew Tollefson went two for four with an RBI as well. Tomahawk finises the 2025 season with a 10-13 record and a 5-7 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate four seniors, who are Rigney, Tollefson, Brayden Larson, and Cooper Hetzel.

Published on 06/02/2025 under News Over the weekend, the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander was buzzing with excitement once more. Around two months since the facility was temporarily shut down after storm damage, the Rhinelander High School Class of 2025 held their graduation ceremony in the Dome. In late March, a power outage and failure of a back up generator caused the air-filled dome to partially deflate. This left some small tears in the dome fabric, and some additional damage inside. Over the past eight weeks, district staff worked with the dome manufacturer and the district's insurance company to complete repairs allowing for Sunday's commencement ceremony. Superintendent Eric Burke says, "We're incredibly proud of the teamwork and commitment it took to bring the Dome back online so quickly." As for the public re-opening, that's coming up Tuesday morning 6am. The district says that while some repairs to the track, tennis courts, and lighting will continue into the summer months, they anticipate the Dome will remain open and operational while they complete that work.

Published on 06/02/2025 under News Over the winter, a Town of Nokomis committee invited property owners to complete a survey. The results are currently available, and they're also planning a meeting and presentation on what people had to say. The survey was put out by the Town of Nokomis Land Use Committee. It was open in December and January. Among the topics were the land use plan, town communications, road conditions, parks and recreation areas, public safety and emergency services, and broadband access. The committee has put together a summary of the survey results and feedback which is posted on the Town of Nokomis website. They also plan a presentation at their meeting which is scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Nokomis Fire Station.

Published on 06/02/2025 under News There are a number of dams around the Northwoods creating lakes and reservoirs that we enjoy throughout the year. Over the weekend, as part of National Dam Safety Awareness Day, officials took the time to recognize the importance of maintaining safety around these facilities. According to the DNR, there are more than 3,000 dams in Wisconsin. Many of those structures are more than a century old and ongoing inspections and repairs ensure that they remain safe. In addition to proper maintenance, it's important for people to use caution when recreating near dams.First and foremost, always stay outside of buoyed and roped off areas, obeying warning signs and sirens.Be aware of rapidly changing water conditions, as well as currents above and below the dam. If in a boat, keep your motor running when near a dam so that you are always ready to maneuver or leave the area quickly. Swimming near dams is not recommended.

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