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Tomahawk PD Brings Back K9 'Pipo' Stuffed Animal Fundraiser Published on 02/12/2025 under News

The Tomahawk Police Department has brought back a popular fundraiser to support their K9 program.

The Department recently announced the limited return of their Pipo stuffed animals. For those unfamiliar, Pipo is a six year old yellow lab who has served as their K-9 officer over the past four years.

Two years ago, the agency sold these stuffed animals which modeled on Pipo in his k9 uniform. They said they've brought them back by popular demand. According to the announcement, proceeds go into the Department's K-9 fund what are used on training, certifications, and other costs associated with the program.

Since it's launch, the Tomahawk K-9 unit has been funded outside of the department's budget through grants and community contributions.

The Pipo stuffed animals are being sold for $20. They've teamed up with 7 business locations around the community:

• The Tomahawk Feed Mill
• Tomahawk American Legion
• Tomahawk Pharmacy
• Crossbridge Community Bank
• Incredible Bank
• Park City Credit Union
• Tomahawk Animal Clinic

They're also available at the Police Department.

In Other News

Lincoln County Fair ‘Creating, Showing, & Growing’

Published on 08/06/2025 under News As quickly as it started, fair season is already winding down. One of the last in our area, the Lincoln County Fair, kicks off on Wednesday. The Lincoln County Fair is now in it's 140th year, and organizers continue to added new and exciting attractions. In fact, the theme this year is 'Creating, Showing, and Growing'. We spoke with board member Clyde Nelson to preview this year's festivities. Set-up gets underway here Wednesday morning with the arrival of the animals and other show entries and action picks up this evening. Around for nearly a century and a half, the festivities include a blend of fair favorites mixed in with some new additions that keep things fresh and exciting. Just a few of the attractions he teased include a Kid's Kars Demolition Derby, lawnmower races, agri-golf, an agriculture themed mini golf and butter carving by some local celebrities. And they even arranged for Vic Ferrari, now playing a limited schedule to travel north on Friday night. An estimated 50,000 people come out each year. Admission is free, parking on site is $5. The Lincoln County Fair runs through Sunday at the Festival grounds in Merrill.

Published on 08/06/2025 under News The start of the school year is right around the corner, and some area districts are finalizing their administrative teams. The Merrill Area School District announced that Matt Weberpal has been selected to fill the vacant role of associate principal at Merrill High School. He will step into the role previously held by Allie Libby, who resigned at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. In the announcement, the district said, "Matt brings over a decade of experience in education, with a strong background in special education, regular education, and school leadership." That includes positions in the classroom, coaching, and instructional leadership. Weberpal says, "I believe in creating a school environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and connected. I'm looking forward to being a part of that work here in Merrill."

Published on 08/06/2025 under News Shovels will hit the ground in Rhinelander this morning, marking an important step in a project that will keep little hodags cool and entertained for summers to come. The Kiwanis Club of Rhinelander announced a Groundbreaking Ceremony for their planned splash pad being installed at Hodag Park. And they're inviting the community to attend this morning's celebration. The Kiwanis said, "Thanks to the generosity of our community, we've raised most of the funds needed to bring this exciting project to life—and now we're ready to break ground!" The Splash Pad will be a fun, inclusive space for kids of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Phase 2 of the project will also include a new playground. The Kiwanis said, "We'd love to have you join us as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to what's coming next." That ceremony will take place at 9am Wednesday morning near the pavilion in Hodag Park will the future splash pad will be built.

Published on 08/06/2025 under News A man involved in a high speed chase through Oneida County last fall will serve a year in prison. Daniel Thunder of Neopit was back in Oneida County Court yesterday for a sentencing hearing. Last month the 51 year old pleaded guilty to three charges including fleeing an officer, operating a vehicle without consent, and physical abuse of an elder person. Four other charges were dismissed. Thunder was arrested last November. Deputies initially responded to a report of a two vehicle accident near Rhinelander. As they arrived on the scene, they said Thunder fled in his vehicle, at times reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. He was eventually stopped and taken into custody. At yesterday's hearing, Thunder will serve one year initial confinement followed by two years extended supervision. He was also ordered to pay more than $5,000 in restitution.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News The Tomahawk community will be able to connect with first responders and local organizations at a returning event this evening. National Night Out is part of a nationwide campaign that's been around for more than four decades. The Tomahawk Chamber arranged to bring the event to Tomahawk last year, and they are looking to build on that success. We spoke with Chamber director Charis Lau about National Night Out. She says, "This year we have twice as many businesses involved as last year, plus all of our returning law enforcement as well as fire departments." For the first responders specifically, it's an opportunity to get familiar with them in a positive and relaxed setting. Beyond first responders, they'll have other local community groups and organizations. And even WJJQ will be on hand. As for what attendees can expect, Lau says, "Families can make a night of it, enjoy the activities at every booth, chat with our local businesses, check out all of the amazing vehicles and trucks our officers and firefighters bring, grab dinner and dessert, and top it off with the ski show!" People can stop by Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk from 5pm to 7:30p Tuesday.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News The Good News Project offers several valuable resources to communities in the Northwoods. They recently received a generous contribution to continue those missions. Our listeners may be familiar with the Wausau-based organization through their electronics recycling collections or the Health Equipment Lending Program or HELP. Their board announced that they were selected to receive a $20,000 grant from WoodTrust Bank and the Bell Family Charitable Foundation. The funds will support the final phase of a capital campaign to complete a loading dock at their facility to better suit the needs for both programs. A grateful director Chirstine Daniels called it a pivotal moment adding, "The loading dock is more than a concrete structure—it's a gateway for generosity. With this support, we'll be able to move equipment and electronics more safely and efficiently." The loading dock is one of the final components of Good News Project's multi-year capital campaign and is expected to be completed by September.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News Several members of the Merrill Fire Department hit the road for an important assignment this past week. Throughout the year, firefighters around the state volunteer their time and travel to Wisconsin Rapids to help offer maintenance services at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial. That includes mowing and yard work around grounds and clean-up work in and around the museum. The Merrill Fire Department shared on their social media that they took their turn this past week. Several members of the fire department and even a few young family members traveled south to offer a helping hand. There is a special connection between the Merrill Department and the Memorial. Back in 2023, former Chief Adlord Talbot was commemorated at the site. Talbot served in the 1930's and 40's and his death classified as in the line of duty.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News Antique boat and motor enthusiasts are converging in Tomahawk this week. It's the annual Vintage and Classic Outboard Motor and Boat show, now in it's 44th year.. The event brings participants from all over the Midwest, some even further, to take part in all things outboard motors. That includes displays, a swap meet, competitions, and a chance to share stories over their passion. The Tomahawk event is seen as the regional destination. They've long included the slogan, "If you can't find it at Tomahawk, they probably never made it." on the competition front, they have 13 different divisions and will also incorporate six on-water events Other activities planned for the week including a Thursday night evening cruise. The event is based out of SARA Park and organizers invited the public to stop by, take a walk through the arena and down memory lane. They note that Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to check it out, and it is free for spectators. The event wraps up Friday with a special participant banquet.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News The Nicolet College Board recently welcomed three new trustees, along with one current board member appointed. Starting with the returning member, Abbey Dall. She currently serves as the executive director at the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing or NATH in Rhinelander. Dall is actually a Nicolet graduate. The three newcomers to the board include: Jim Mulleady of Eagle River, an employee of Shorewest Realtors, will serve as an employee member. Tony Pharo of Eagle River, executive director of Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, will serve as an at-large member. Scott Sievert of Rhinelander, general manager at Trident Maritime Systems, will serve as an interim employer member. Nicolet President Kate Ferrel welcomed the new board members, adding, "They each bring deep expertise combined with enthusiasm for community service. Their guidance will help ensure College continues to be an asset to the people of our district." The Board also elected their officers for the upcoming school year, with Dall selected as the Chair.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News Another longtime member of Merrill is being honored for his contributions to the city during his life. Over the weekend, the intersection of East 9th Street and North Sales Street in Merrill was dedicated as William C. Johnston Way. It's part of an ongoing effort of the city Historic Preservation Committee to dedicate street segments for tor those who've left an indelible mark. According to the biography, Johnston graduated Merrill High in 1963. He went on to become president of Merrill based Park City Credit Union, a position he held for nearly 25 years. He used that position to regularly give back to the Merrill community, both through the credit union and on his own. They noted this was often done with little fanfare as he wanted. Johnston was also active in the community and served regularly on city committees and commissions. He becomes the third community member this year recognized through the Merrill Historical Street program. A small ceremony was held over the weekend to unveil the new marker.

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