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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.

In Other News

Community Blood Center Hosting Annual Collection Drive in Merrill

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A popular blood drive in Merrill is back with a new theme, but the same life-saving mission. During the summer months we regularly talk about the importance of blood donations. It comes at a time when busy schedules and summer vacations may lead to fewer donations, but the demand doesn't slow. That's why the Community Blood Center re-branded their MASH-themed blood drives into the Summer Tour of All Types or STAT collection, emphasizing the need for donations of all blood types. John Hagins, President & CEO, The Community Blood Center. "Generous STAT donors help maintain a reliable blood supply for local hospital patients. Whether you're returning or donating for the very first time, you make a huge impact in your community." The collection is taking place at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill. Keeping another MASH tradition alive, the CBC is still making a monetary donation to the group of veterans organizations for every unit collected during Merrill STAT. As usual, they'll have some donor incentives as well including an exclusive STAT t-shirt and a meal. First time donors will also receive a gift card. They'll be set up at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill on Thursday until 4:30pm. They've got another STAT collection in Wausau next week, August 12 at NTC.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council filled one open seat, but they've got new vacancy to fill. The Tomahawk City Council held their August meeting Tuesday. One of the first items on the agenda was the appointment of Bob Soward to fill a vacancy in district 1. Soward was one of two interested applicants and was chosen by a selection committee. He'll succeed Ed Nystrom who stepped down earlier this year. After taking his oath of office, Soward joined the other alders for the remainder of the meeting. He'll serve until the next municipal election, next April. But the Council remains one member down. The final item on the agenda was the resignation of Tadd Wegener. The Council will utilize the same process to fill his seat. The seat will be posted for applicants. A selection committee, comprised of the mayor and the two other representatives from the vacant district, in this case 'Ding' Bartz and Mike Loka, will make an recommendation for appointment.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A motorcycle operator was arrested after traveling on a Lincoln County highway at more than twice the speed limit and fleeing the deputy. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy observed two motorcycles speeding on County C in the Town of Merrill. A radar reading showed nearly 120 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but one of the operators failed to pull over. A brief pursuit followed, before the deputy the chase ended for safety reasons. In investigating, the deputy was able to identify the operator as a 22 year old Mosinee man. The man's name was not included in the weekly report. With assistance of a Mosinee Police Officer, the man was arrested at his residence. He was brought to the Lincoln County Jail for fleeing an officer.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News The DNR is again asking the public to participate in a wildlife survey. Operation Deer Watch is an opportunity to help collect information on the state deer population. Whether in the woods, on the road, or other outdoor locations, participants are asked to record all buck, doe, and fawn sightings. The data provides biologists insight into the reproductive status of the herd and helps shape deer management in the state. Paul Frater is the DNR surveys coordinator. He says, "Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can help the DNR manage wildlife by collecting data in your area." He added, "The DNR encourages everyone interested in wildlife – from hunters and trappers to outdoor enthusiasts – to take part." In addition to Operation Deer Watch, which runs through September 30, the DNR also has another ongoing survey for game bird broods. More information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A teen charged for his role in the lead-up to a fatal attack at Lincoln Hills will serve 5 years in prison. Rian Nyblom was back in Lincoln County Court Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. Earlier this year, the 18 year old pleaded guilty to amended charges, two counts of battery by a prisoner as party to a crime. Nyblom was one of two teens housed at Lincoln Hills charged in connection with the fatal attack last June that left one staff member injured and another dead. Nyblom was allegedly asked by another inmate, Javarius Hurd, to provide soap that would be used in an attack on a female staff member at the youth correctional facility. Counselor Corey Proulx intervened in the initial altercation and sustained fatal injuries. Nyblom was ordered to serve five years of initial confinement followed by five years on extended supervision. He must also pay more than $1,100 in restitution. Hurd is facing separate charges. His jury trial is scheduled for February.

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.

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