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Four Merrill School Board Candidates for Three Seats Published on 01/09/2025 under News

The Merrill School district confirmed the candidates that submitted nomination papers for their school board ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

There are four candidates running for three at-large seats on the board. That includes incumbents Jacqueline Gremler, Paul Proulx, and Jon Smith, along with challenger Brady Loos.

That race will appear on the April Ballot.

In Other News

Record Setting Tourism Numbers in Wisconsin, Lincoln County

Published on 06/11/2026 under News It was a record-setting year for tourism, both across the state of Wisconsin and right here in Lincoln County. On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism released its 2025 economic impact data, revealing that the state's tourism industry generated a record-breaking $27 billion last year. When broken down by county, the data showed that Lincoln County set a tourism record for the fourth consecutive year, reaching $115 million in economic impact, a 2.3% growth over the previous year. In the northern half of the county, Tomahawk Chamber Director Charis Lau was excited to share the numbers, noting that tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of local economic activity. She says, "The newly released tourism impact data demonstrates the important role visitors play in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall quality of life enjoyed by residents." Delving a bit further into the numbers, the tourism industry supports nearly 700 part-time and full-time jobs in Lincoln County. It also generated approximately $6.3 million in local tax revenue, a figure that continues to rise alongside visitor spending. Lau added, "Every visitor who chooses Tomahawk contributes to a stronger local economy, and every positive experience helps create another ambassador for the Northwoods." In the coming days, we will take a closer look at how neighboring Northwoods counties fared.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News If it seems like there is an uptick in ticks this spring, latest survey data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports that claim. State health officials report that tick activity remains high across Wisconsin, currently driven by tiny deer tick nymphs and larvae, while adult ticks have trended downward. Because these young black-legged ticks are only about the size of a poppy seed, they can be incredibly difficult to spot, yet they frequently carry tickborne illnesses. Locally, Lincoln County is one of three counties selected by the DHS for specialized tick surveillance. Known as "tick dragging," staff conduct these surveys every other week in Lincoln, Iowa, and Waupaca counties. The process involves pulling a white denim drag along a 750-meter path and checking it for ticks at regular intervals. Notably, Lincoln County turned up more ticks than the other two counties this past week. With summer recreation now in full swing across the Northwoods, health experts encourage residents to stay vigilant while enjoying the outdoors. You can prevent tick bites by taking proactive steps, including performing daily tick checks. If you do find one, the DHS offers a free Tick Identification Service, which allows residents to submit photos of ticks found on people or pets for quick identification.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News As breast cancer awareness and screening efforts continue to grow in the Tomahawk area, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned national recognition for the quality of its mammography services. The hospital recently received a three-year mammography accreditation from the American College of Radiology, a designation awarded to facilities that meet rigorous standards for image quality, patient safety, equipment performance and staff qualifications. Mammography remains one of the most effective tools for early breast cancer detection according to Aspirus Tomahawk imaging services manager Laurie Lemke. She noted that the accreditation reflects the team's commitment to providing safe, accurate and compassionate care. The recognition comes as Aspirus continues to expand breast imaging services locally. The hospital recently added 3D mammography technology with AI-assisted detection capabilities, providing patients with advanced screening tools closer to home. Community outreach efforts have also been supported by local breast cancer advocacy group The Ties That Bind Us, which works to promote awareness and support for patients and families.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News An event focused on the needs of individuals with autism is coming to the Northwoods this weekend. Bonnie and Clyde's Gangster Park in Harshaw will host the Fourth Annual Autism Acceptance Fundraiser this Sunday. Organized by Aurora's Guiding Light Foundation, the event aims to celebrate neurodiversity and raise vital funds for local autism programs. This year, organizers want to highlight that support should continue into adulthood. Foundation founder Alexandra Kuckkahn says the inspiration for the event's expansion came from watching her own daughter grow into her teenage years. She says, "Autism doesn't end at 18 — there's a whole community that deserves its own party, and we are here to give it to them." A dedicated, quiet sensory room will also be available all day. To ensure every attendee feels comfortable, the day is split into three distinct segments tailored to different sensory needs:The morning (10am-noon) begins with Sensory Hours, offering a quiet, low-stimulus environment.Mid-day (noon-4pm) will focus on Inclusive Family Hours, featuring a variety of fun activities and a special presentation by advocate Ashley Mathy at 3pm.The evening (4pm-8pm) introduces the unique Adults On and Off the Spectrum Music Festival, featuring live music, dance floor, and a Silent Disco where guests can control their own headphone volume.Admission to the daytime activities is free, though a $5 donation is suggested for the evening music festival to support the performing artists. All funds raised from food, drinks, and raffles will directly support local autism advocacy and family resources.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News As thunderstorms rolled across the Northwoods Wednesday morning, one lightning strike may have sparked a small house fire in Oneida County. The Pine Lake Fire Department was dispatched just before 8 a.m. to a reported fire involving a water heater at a residence on Highway 17 North near Royalwood Lane. Officials said the homeowner was able to knock down the fire before firefighters arrived. Crews found light smoke coming from the home and smoldering materials around the water heater area. The fire was contained to the area surrounding the water heater. According to the department, the fire was caused by a lightning strike during the morning storms. The Pelican Fire Department was initially dispatched on automatic aid but was canceled after Pine Lake crews arrived and assessed the situation. Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour extinguishing remaining hot spots and checked for any fire extension in the home.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News A Merrill man originally facing nearly 50 charges related to animal neglect has reached a plea agreement. Thirty-five-year-old Matthew Krautkramer was back in Lincoln County Court on Wednesday. He was arrested earlier this year following an animal welfare check at a vacant home he owned, where officers discovered numerous cats, both alive and deceased. Krautkramer told investigators he had moved out of the residence but was attempting to continue caring for the animals. While he initially faced 48 charges, Krautkramer pleaded guilty to four counts of mistreatment of an animal causing death. The case moved directly to sentencing, where Krautkramer was ordered to serve 32 days in jail with Huber privileges, along with three years of probation. As part of his sentence, Krautkramer is strictly prohibited from owning, possessing, caring for, or having any contact with pets or animals.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Hatchet football team will be a bit safer on the field this fall, thanks to a donation from the Green Bay Packers. Tomahawk was one of 10 Wisconsin high school football programs selected to receive $7,500 worth of new helmets through the Packers Helmet Give Back Program. Manufactured by Schutt and VICIS, the new gear will be delivered this summer to supplement or replace the team's existing equipment. The donation is part of the Packers' broader football outreach efforts through Packers Give Back, made possible through partnerships with Ticketmaster and Certor Sports. Packers officials noted that player safety was the driving force behind the initiative, which aims to help schools provide athletes with the top-tier equipment needed to compete safely. "The program helps ensure student-athletes have access to quality safety equipment while allowing schools to dedicate limited budgets to other needs within their football programs," said Packers Football Outreach Manager Ryan Fencl. The upgrade comes at a perfect time for the Hatchets, who are currently building on a successful stretch on the field that included a deep run in the WIAA playoffs last fall. The 10 recipients were selected from a pool of more than 200 applications. Tomahawk joins Abundant Life Christian School, Arcadia, Hillsboro, Milwaukee School of Languages, Peshtigo, Reedsburg, Stanley-Boyd, Waupun, and Weyauwega-Fremont as recipients in this year's cycle.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Generally when you grab a book from the library you have to bring it back. But a monthly summer sale, allows patrons to bring materials home for keeps. The Friends of the Tomahawk Public Library are bringing back their summer book sale with the first coming up today. Friends of the Library member Nancy Herbison said the sales help raise money for library programs and other needs that may fall outside the library's regular budget. This includes sponsoring guest speakers and presenters, children's activities, as well as helping fund improvement projects on the library grounds. Visitors will find a wide variety of materials available, including hardcover and paperback books for adults, teens and children, as well as fiction and nonfiction titles. And while it's called a book sale, they'll also feature puzzles, audio books, magazines and videos. Instead of setting prices for each item, people can name their own via donation. The first sale is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tomahawk Public Library. Additional sales will be held July 8, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News A partnership between the Tomahawk School District and Lincoln County to bring a dedicated social worker to campus has moved one step closer to reality. At its meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board accepted a grant funded by Lincoln County's opioid settlement dollars to support the position starting next school year. Approved last month at the recommendation of the county's Opioid Settlement Task Force, the county will contribute $154,000 over four years, while the district will cover the remaining costs. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry said the position will help bridge gaps between schools, families, and social services, while addressing the growing social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Lincoln County Social Services Director Jessi Rumsey told board members that many children and families need support but do not meet the threshold for Child Protective Services intervention. A dedicated school social worker can connect families with resources, coordinate services, and provide early intervention before problems escalate. Ultimately, the position will allow the district to take a more proactive approach to student and family needs, reducing demands on county services over time. Rumsey noted that the goal is to invest in prevention and strengthen protective factors for local families. The next steps will involve establishing the formal position and beginning the hiring process.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News An early morning fire damaged a single unit of a Vilas County condominium building on Tuesday, but quick action by fire crews kept the flames from spreading to neighboring units. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire on Golf View Road in the Town of Washington at around 4 a.m. Upon arrival, crews observed flames coming from one unit of the six-unit building. Officials said the fire was successfully contained to the unit of origin, limiting damage to the rest of the building and allowing residents in neighboring condos to evacuate safely. The unit where the fire broke out was unoccupied at the time. While the rest of the building was saved, the affected unit sustained extensive damage to its first floor. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

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