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Nicolet College Celebrates Community College Month Published on 04/30/2025 under News

Throughout the month of April, Nicolet College has been highlighting the value and importance of the school to the Northwoods.

It's part of a nationwide celebration of Community College Month. The primary goal of the campaign is to improve awareness of the economic, academic, and employment advantages of attending community colleges.

A recent survey of high school students, adults, and employers in the Nicolet College district revealed a widespread appreciation for the college. Results showed the college fosters lifelong learning (87%), is accessible to everyone (85%), supports students with resources (85%), and prepares them for in-demand careers (84%).

Nicolet president Kate Ferrel says, "We are deeply appreciative of our communities' support for us since the first classes started in 1967. We've heard countless stories from our graduates, young and old, how one learner's education can positively impact generations of families and help local economies thrive."

In Other News

The Rock Church Acquires Former Lincoln Industries Building Accepted from City of Tomahawk

Published on 04/30/2025 under News A church in Tomahawk will be getting a new home after winning a bid on a property from the City of Tomahawk. Last month, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee put out a request for proposal for the former Lincoln Industries building on Kaphaem Road. RFPs were opened at Tuesday's meeting, with the only proposal submitted by the Rock Church in Tomahawk. After some discussions, the committee accepted the $45,000 offer. Rather than a simple high-bid-wins process, interested parties were required to submit plans for the property. Several members of the congregation were on-hand at Tuesday's meeting to further make their pitch. They envision a seven-day-a-week location, not just for church activities, but as a community hub. They offered a lengthy list of potential partners including the ADRC, Red Cross, mental health services, and environmental and educational courses. Ahead of the vote, committee members briefly discuss the lack of property tax a church building would generate, one of the city's goals in divesting property. A payment in lieu of taxes was briefly suggested, but quickly abandoned. The RFP process didn't require the committee accept any proposal, however in the end, the Committee voted to accept the RFP from the Church. With the results of the vote clear, church membership in attendance expressed emotional gratitude as well as a round of applause. The city originally acquired this property from Lincoln County envisioning a public safety building. Feasibility studies led the city in another direction,and the building has sat empty for several years. The larger parcel was subdivided, with the sale property was approximately 3.2 acres including the building and the parking lot. Clerk Amanda Bartz noted several other parties expressed interest and walked through the building. The RFP from the Rock Church was the only one they received. Over the past year, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee has been taking inventory of all city owned properties with a handful being sold or being considered for sale. Additional Vacant Lots Sold That wasn't the only property on the agenda at what was a lively Finance Committee meeting. Two other lots were sold via a more traditional bidding process. There was game-show atmosphere as Clerk Amanda Bartz opened of sealed envelopes and revealed the bids. The first was a small parcel off Highway 86, awarded to the winning bid of $5,750. The next lot up for bid is located on Deer Park Road. It was sold to the adjacent property owner for $20,101. A third lot, also on Deer Park Road, initially had a bid submitted by the Kwahamots; however Dave Koth, on behalf of the ski club, asked their bid be withdrawn. The Kwahamots utilize several city lots for parking purposes and requested a larger discussion. That topic will be placed on a future agenda.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council held a special meeting Tuesday as they continue efforts to secure a large grant for a proposed utility project on the city's west side. Over the past several months, the Council has been working with engineering firm Ruekert and Mielke on the steps necessary to receive a Community Development Block Grant. The city is planning improvements called the Nelson Lane Water Main Relay project. Located off CC, the main purpose would be expanding and looping the water main to improve low water pressure in the neighborhood. They would also re-line the sewer pipes and repave roads. The City is seeking a $1 million CDBG grant, which would require a partial match of $350,000 from the city. There are certain policy criteria the city must meet.At last night's meeting the council approved three additional resolutions related to the project and grant application. This included a guarantee of the partial match payment, as well as city borrowing to cover that cost. They did clarify that the loan would only be taken out if the grant is awarded and the project moves forward.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News Summer roadwork will be ramping up in the coming weeks, and that includes some local work here in Lincoln County. Earlier this month, Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer offered a preview of the local construction calendar. That includes resurfacing projects on segments of five county highways, 13 miles in all. •CTH A – Erickson Road to Willow Road (1.54 Miles) •CTH C – CTH JJ to CTH K (1.5 Miles) •CTH CC – STH 8 to Somo Dam Road •CTH E – US 86 South to Spirit River Bridge (1.48 Miles) •CTH U – US 8 to CTH A (2.11 Miles)This work is currently scheduled to begin today and they hope to have work done by the Fourth of July holiday. During work, roads will be limited to local traffic and lengthy delays can be expected at times.

Published on 04/30/2025 under News Earlier this week, we shared a delayed start to the ATV trails in Lincoln County. Officials added some additional recreational trails to the list yesterday. The Lincoln County Forestry Land, and Parks Department announced that the biking and equestrian trails located in the Underdown won't open tomorrow as originally planned. This is to protect the grounds with wet conditions and some lingering frost. They didn't provide an estimate on when the trails will open. We'll pass along any info we receive on opening dates for the ATV trails, along with the bike and equestrian trails at the Underdown Recreational Area. The Department also has a trail condition hotline and posts updates on their website.

Published on 04/30/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Softball squad notched their first Great Northern Conference win of the season Tuesday night, defeating Northland Pines, 13-2. Tomahawk scored in every inning, including putting up seven runs in the fourth inning. Camryn Kraklow picked up the win, allowing just one run on one hit and striking out six. It was the Ziert sisters that led the way for the Hatchets. Senior Lydia Ziert went three for three with two RBIs. Freshman Anita Ziert went four for four with two doubles and three RBIs. The win puts Tomahawk at 3-6 on the season and 1-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk is back in action Thursday night for a Great Northern Conference Doubleheader at Rhinelander. The first game begins at 4:00.

Published on 04/30/2025 under Sports The Hatchet baseball team suffered their fourth straight loss Tuesday, losing to Northland Pines, 4-1. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-5 on the season and 1-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets' next GNC game is at home Thursday against Medford. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 4:35 and first pitch is at 5:00. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News While chronic wasting disease remains prevalent in southeastern Wisconsin, there were few cases detected in the Northwoods during last fall's sampling efforts. The DNR released the results of testing from last deer season. They had statewide sampling of wild deer, while also focusing on several priority areas. The goal was to help the agency better understand disease levels and distribution in areas where recent detections were recorded. Looking at the state numbers first, around 17,400 deer were sampled, with about 1,800 testing positive. The data shows 89% of positive tests were located in the southern farmland zone primarily Sauk, Richland, and Iowa Counties. Here in the Northern Forest Zone, there were nearly 1,900 deer tested, with five coming back positive for CWD. The news release states that Vilas County had it's second wild deer test positive. In Oneida County, three additional positives deer were detected in the eastern portion of the county. Erin Larson, DNR deer herd health specialist says, "Although we have detected CWD in new areas of the state in recent years, many of these areas are at a low prevalence rate, and opportunities still remain to slow the spread and growth of the disease statewide." The DNR thanked all the hunters who submitted a samples, business owners who managed sampling sites and those who participated in the Adopt-a-Kiosk program. Those interested can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News An ongoing, annual process to establish the framework for the fall deer hunting season is in full swing. Throughout last week and this week, County Deer Advisory Councils are meeting across all 72 counties. The CDACs provide recommendations on harvest quotas and tag availability. Coming up this evening the CDAC meetings for Oneida County (at the Woodruff Town Hall) and Vilas Counties (Boulder Junction Town Hall) are scheduled for 6pm. The Lincoln County meeting is coming up on Thursday at 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News Spring and summer bring plenty of outdoor projects, and residents and professionals alike are reminded to always use Digger's Hotline before breaking ground. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. The goal is to serve as a reminder to call 811 before every digging project, large or small. Officials say this will prevent injuries, while avoiding repair costs and potential fines that occur when underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines are damaged. While major projects may be obvious, Diggers Hotline should also be used for smaller work such as installing a fence, a mailbox, a patio, trees or hedges. They recommend a call 811 or schedule an appointment online at diggershotline.com three days before you begin your work.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News With the fishing opener this weekend, and the summer boating season right around the corner; a call to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office this past week serves as a reminder to always use caution when launching a boat. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to the Lokemoen boat landing for what they described as an angler's worst nightmare. They found a vehicle, boat, and trailer submerged in the Wisconsin River. According to the deputy, the boat's owner, a 58 year old Black Creek man, was attempting to launch the boat when he backed up a little too far. A slippery spot on the landing prevented his vehicle from gaining the traction needed to get back out. As a result, a wrecker was called to recover the vehicle, boat, and trailer. No injuries were reported. A few other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report... •A traffic stop led to a first offense OWI arrest for a 17 year old Merrill girl. •A 26 year old Merrill woman was arrested for second offense OWI after deputies responded to a vehicle in the ditch. •Deputies investigated a truck that left the road and struck a tree. The driver, a 63 year old Gleason man, was arrested for first offense OWI. •And the number of vehicle vs. deer crashes on Lincoln County roadways remains steady with another 5 reported this past week.

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