Tomahawk Fall Ride Featured in Newest Uniquely Wisconsin Video SegmentPublished on 10/23/2024 under News
The latest edition of the Tomahawk Fall Ride has come and gone, but the event was captured through a new short documentary.
One of the goals of the Uniquely Wisconsin series is to tell the story of a location through its people. The latest episode, which debuted Tuesday, is called, "The People Behind the Thunder." It focuses on the Tomahawk Fall Ride through the eyes of four community members who play an important role in organizing the events.
In just eight short minutes, the story tellers offer a personal look at the Fall Ride and its many traditions, the connection between motorcycles and the community, as well as some of the unique personalities. The interview segments are interspersed with event videos including some impressive aerial drone shots.
For locals, there will be plenty of familiar faces. City Council alderman and motorcycle enthusiast Will Garske is featured prominently, as he recounts his personal connections to the Fall Ride. Other contributors include: Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz; and Interim Chamber Director Charis Lau; and Harley-Davidson employee and event organizer Roxanne Consolver. (Some eagle-eyed viewers may see some WJJQ staff on screen)
Last year, the Lincoln County Board invested ARPA funds into this partnership with Uniquely Wisconsin as part of a larger effort to promote the area as a destination.
Uniquely Wisconsin, Season 3 features stories from Ashland, Calumet, Jefferson, Lincoln and Oconto Counties. The episodes are being released on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel over the next few months. We'll include a link to the latest episode "The People Behind the Thunder"-Tomahawk Fall Ride in the online version of the story.
Published on 04/20/2026 under News Cleanup is continuing across north central Wisconsin after powerful storms moved through the region late Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes touched down around 4:45 p.m. The stronger of the two struck parts of Marathon County, including Kronenwetter and Ringle. It has been rated an EF-3, with estimated wind speeds of 145 miles per hour. The tornado was about 600 yards wide and stayed on the ground for 13 and a half miles in roughly 17 minutes. Officials say around 75 homes were damaged in that storm. Anyone looking to help can donate to a relief fund through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which is supporting both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. A website has also been established at www.wi4ringle.com/ to connect residents and resources. At the same time, a second tornado touched down in northern Marathon County and moved into southeastern Lincoln County. That storm was rated an EF-1, with winds near 110 miles per hour. It was about 100 yards wide and remained on the ground for just over four miles. Despite the damage, no injuries have been reported. The storms also brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail larger than an inch in diameter. Widespread power outages also impacted the area. The severe weather caps off an active week across Wisconsin. So far this year, 24 tornadoes have been confirmed statewide; already surpassing the annual average of 23.
Published on 04/20/2026 under News After a week of stormy weather across Wisconsin including heavy rain in the Northwoods, the DNR is encouraging private well owners to monitor their drinking water to ensure it is safe. Officials say significant rainfall and flooding can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into private wells, increasing the risk of waterborne illness. Wells located in basements, pits, or low-lying areas are especially vulnerable. The DNR advises homeowners who notice changes in taste, color, or sediment, or who experienced flooding near their well, to assume the water may be contaminated. In those cases, residents should stop drinking the water immediately, switch to a safe alternative source, and have the well disinfected, ideally by a licensed professional. Water should also be tested before it's used again. Even without visible flooding, contamination is still possible. The DNR recommends annual testing of private wells for bacteria and nitrates as a routine safety measure. For those on public water systems, officials say those supplies are designed to keep contaminants out, but anyone with concerns should contact their local provider. Additional guidance on well safety and flood recovery is available through the DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Published on 04/20/2026 under News Local Scouting groups wrapped up another successful community food drive here in the Tomahawk community. Members of Boy Scout Troop 548 and Cub Scout Pack 548 spent Saturday morning canvassing select neighborhoods. A team of 27 scouts went door-to-door to collect donations directly from residents' porches. While the door-to-door approach makes it easier for citizens to donate, the collection also provided scouts with awareness of food insecurity and community service. In the end, the effort resulted in more than 700 pounds of food donations that will be distributed to the local food pantries. The scouts expressed their sincere thanks to the Tomahawk community for their continued generosity. They also extended their gratitude to the food pantry volunteers who worked side-by-side with the scouts to sort and organize the incoming donations.
Published on 04/20/2026 under News Despite the recent rains, wildfire danger remains elevated in the region. Multiple crews in Oneida County responded to a brush fire in the Town of Pelican late last week. Firefighters were dispatched to EZ Drive to find an approximately 1 acre already burned, with the fire spreading into the woods. According to the update, crews began knocking the fire down, while a DNR heavy unit was utilized to plow a line around the leading edge of the fire. Firefighters also dealt with rough terrain and thick brush to access the fire, using more than 2,000 feet of forestry hose line. The fire ended up burning just over 3 acres. Firefighters were on scene for approximately 3.5 hours. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, the cause was attributed to debris burning. Over the past five days, crews have responded to eight wildland fires across Vilas, Oneida, Lincoln, Langlade and Price Counties.Wildfires within the DNR Protection Area between April 14-21
Published on 04/20/2026 under News The deer hunting season is still a half year away, but planning the season structure is ongoing. Over the next two weeks, Community Deer Advisory Councils around the state will meet to form recommendations on antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options. These recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted as needed in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other factors. Those meetings get underway this week and will continue into next week as well. A reminder that the northern forest zone now uses habitat-based boundaries rather than the traditional county-based lines. Stakeholders are encouraged to review their zone to attend the correct meeting. The locations are listed on the DNR website. (Unit 119, most of Lincoln County, will meet Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30pm Lincoln County Service Center.) Once finalized, the recommendations are sent to the Natural Resources Board for final approval.
Published on 04/17/2026 under News While their work is often behind the scenes, dispatchers play a crucial role in emergency response, and this week is set aside to recognize their efforts. Over the past few days, local law enforcement agencies have been taking the time to observe National Telecommunicators Week by recognizing their dispatch staff. That includes the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office which referred to the telecommunicators as the 'first, First Responders.' They dispatch for not only the Sheriff's Office but two police departments, two ambulance services, one full-time fire department, and four volunteer fire departments. It's a similar story in Oneida County where their 911 center works with 17 fire departments, 5 ambulance services, 10 first responder groups and 3 law enforcement agencies. They handled around 39,000 calls last year. Jake Simkins, Captain of Emergency Services said, "You won't find a more dedicated group of people who are ready to assist their emergency services family and the citizens of Oneida County." They not only take phone calls regarding emergency and non-emergency situations, but they also coordinate resources to get help to those in need. Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartman added, "They are the first people that citizens reach out to when they need help. This week, we honor them for their commitment, devotion and hard work."
Published on 04/17/2026 under News So far during Severe Weather Awareness week, we've talked about tornadoes and flooding...today we turn our attention to the skies and lightning. Lightning can come in the blink of an eye, and safety officials remind people, "when thunder roars, head indoors!" According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning each year. Unfortunately, a man was killed in a fatal lightning strike in Waukesha County this week. Among common activities where lightning strikes occur frequently: fishing, visits to the beach, camping, and farming. Ready Wisconsin says the safest place to seek shelter is indoors. Even the inside of a car is safer than being out in the open during a thunderstorm. You should never seek cover under a tree or think you are safe by being low to the ground. They also note that while lightning is associated with rain, it can strike from as far away as 10 miles, even instances of sunny skies. These are commonly referred to as 'bolts from the blue.' Lightning strike victims can, and should be cared for immediately by calling 911 and performing CPR. Don't be afraid to touch the victim, as the human body does not hold an electrical charge following a lightning strike.
Published on 04/17/2026 under News Earlier this week, we reported a tornado in northwestern Taylor County. The National Weather Service provided some additional information. The tornado touched down near Gilman Monday evening at 5:38pm. It was on the ground for about 10 minutes and traveled approximately 3.5 miles. It was approximately 20 yards width, with peak wind speeds estimated at 80 miles per hour, classified as an EF0. Officials say the tornado caused only minor damage to trees and outbuildings along its path, with no injuries or fatalities reported. Emergency management crews assisted in the damage survey. A second location near Chelsea was also investigated, bu no tornado confirmed. The tornado near Gilman was the first in the state this year, though six additional tornadoes have been confirmed in southern Wisconsin this week. It was also the first tornado ever recorded in the month of April in Taylor County.
Published on 04/17/2026 under News Aspirus Health is hosting a program next month focused on mental health and student athletes, and they're bringing in a Packer legend to participate in that conversation. Aspirus Health is hosting "Beyond the Game," a mental health summit focused on the well-being of athletes. It is coming up Thursday, May 14th at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau. The one-day event will feature a strong connection to the Green Bay Packers, including appearances by Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler and the team's director of performance psychology, Dr. Chris Carr. Organizers say their involvement brings a powerful perspective on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face at every level. The summit will also include local and national speakers discussing how to better support student-athletes, coaches, and families, with a focus on mental health, resilience, and prevention. Heidi Pritzl, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Aspirus Health, says, "This summit is about hope, connection, and prevention for the young people in our communities. Prtizl added, "My hope is that attendees leave knowing how to help athletes feel seen, supported, and never alone during difficult moments." The event run is free to attend, and open to the public, though registration is required. Coaches, educators, health care professionals, parents, and community members are encouraged to attend and take part in the conversation.
