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‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin’ Contest; Thorogood Work Boots in Round of 16 Published on 10/06/2025 under News

Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce continues their effort to identify the 'Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.' They've recently announced the next round in the friendly competition which includes the lone product from northern Wisconsin in the contest.

From an initial field of nearly 150 products, just 16 remains after nearly 15,000 votes in the preliminary round. That includes the Thorogood Genesis work boot made in Merrill. Going forward, the contest will be a head-to-head bracket elimination.

Thorogood actually received a '2' seed and will face 15th seeded extrication tools made by TNT Rescue Systems in Hartland.

Kurt Bauer, President and CEO of WMC. "These products reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the industry, which is exactly why we hold this contest. We're excited to showcase these innovative products and recognize the hardworking people in manufacturing who play such a vital role for our state."

Match-Ups:

#1 Seed: Carbliss Cocktails-Carbliss (Plymouth) vs. #16 Seed: Toro Dingo Compact Utility Loader-Toro (Tomah)

#2 Seed: Genesis Work Boots-Thorogood in Merrill vs. #15 Seed: extrication tools made by TNT Rescue Systems-Hartland

#3 Seed: Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboat-1000 Island Airboats (Marion) vs. #14 Seed: Model 60 Slant Ice Merchandiser- Leer Inc. (New Lisbon)

#4 Seed: XUV 845M Gator™ Utility Vehicle-John Deere (Horicon) vs. #13 Seed:Kikkoman Soy Sauce; Kikkoman Foods, Inc. (Walworth)

#5 Seed: Comfort Custom Seating System-Permobil (New Berlin) vs. #12 Seed:Turntable Swing Gate-Pack Air Inc. (Neenah)

#6 Seed: Brawny 3-Ply Paper Towel-Georgia Pacific (Green Bay) vs. #11 Seed:Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese-Sargento (Plymouth)

#7 Seed: The Maple Shot 10 pack carton-The Maple Dude (Granton) vs. #10 Seed: Massive Generator Enclosure-EK Machine (Fall River)

#8 Seed: 38 VTR-Cruisers Yachts (Oconto) vs. #9 Seed: Milorganite Fertilizer-Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (Milwaukee)

The next few rounds will come fast and furious. Weekly votes will narrow the field from sixteen down to the eventual winner which will be announced October 23. You can visit madeinwis.com to view all sixteen nominees and cast a ballot.

In Other News

Lakeland Lions Organizing Annual 'Food for Kidz' Packing Event Saturday

Published on 10/09/2025 under News An increase in food insecurity has placed a growing need for outreach programs. An impressive event in Minocqua this weekend will help replenish local food pantries and school backpack programs. The Lakeland-Area Lions are hosting 'Food for Kidz', an annual meal packaging event on Saturday, and are encouraging folks to lend a helping hand. Through this effort, the volunteers take bulk food contributions and separate and organize them into meal-sized packages. Seventeen years in, they're showing no signs of slowing down. Last October, they reached a milestone 2.5 million. The packaged meals are distributed to around two dozen area food pantries, shelters, and after school back pack programs. It's also part of a larger outreach that sends packaged meals to areas of need including natural disaster responses and outreach in developing nations. The local event typically package around 250,000 meals on the single day. In fact, they they do so in just four short hours. That's thanks to the between 500 and 600 volunteers who work in assembly lines to increase efficiency. There are still some volunteer spaces and organizers note it can be a busy, but fun day...and it's all supporting a great cause. For those interested in filling a two hour shift, we'll include contact information in the online version of the story. The packing will take place at Lakeland on Saturday morning.

Published on 10/09/2025 under News The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles across the state of Wisconsin including hundreds of miles in the Northwoods. The Ice Age Trail Alliance is encouraging people to get out and explore. October means the return of the Ice Age Trail- Mammoth Challenge. Hikers, walkers, runners and backpackers are challenged to traverse 45 miles of the Ice Age Trail representing the 45th anniversary of the Ice Age Trail becoming a National Scenic Trail. The challenge was established on the 40th anniversary and more than 30,000 people have finished the task. Melissa Pierick with the Alliance says, "Many will argue fall is the best time to hike in Wisconsin—moderate temperatures, colorful landscapes, and no bugs." She added, "The Mammoth Hike Challenge makes it easy to explore new places and discover the small towns that make the Trail so special." If 45 miles seems daunting, bonus miles are available for completing tasks such as visiting some of the 26 designated Ice Age Trail communities like Antigo, Merrill, Rib Lake and Wausau. This year, each Trail Community has identified a Hometown Highlight—a mural, sculpture, historic landmark, or cultural gem. Participants who complete the Challenge by the end of the month will receive a certificate, along with a limited-edition patch. Each year features a new design. Registration is available on the Ice Age Trail Alliance website where they've also created itineraries to help plan hikes with maps and points of interest along the trails.

Published on 10/09/2025 under News From toys to tools, we regularly use lithium ion batteries in our day-to-day lives. But in addition to convenience, these gadgets also carry the risk of fires. The first full week of October is National Fire Prevention Week. Local Fire Departments are joining agencies around the country in encouraging fire safety. This year's theme is focused on lithium ion batteries specifically. Lorraine Carli with the National Fire Protection Association says, "Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they're just about everywhere. But she notes, "Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose." Their lessons are focused on proper handling while using, charging, and disposing. Just a few of those tips...Always follow manufacturer's instructions; never use a swollen or damaged battery; use a proper charging cable and avoid overcharging. And when it comes time to get rid of the battery, find a dedicated disposal or recycling center. According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle, and recycle them safely.

Published on 10/09/2025 under News People will have a chance to weigh in on the resource management and public use of DNR-managed properties located in Northern Wisconsin. The DNR is working on their Master Plan and Environmental Analysis of the North Central Forest landscape. They are currently in the public input stage of the process. The affected area is comprised of 250 DNR properties across 20 counties in northern Wisconsin including state forests, parks, recreational areas, natural areas, and trails, approximately 9,500 square miles in all. In the announcement, the DNR highlighted some of the proposals: Expansion and enhancement of state and national trails Protection and management of forested wetlands and ephemeral ponds Protection and maintenance of existing cold water streams and trout fisheries Designation of a new stream protection program, the Brook Trout Reserves Program, to protect and enhance cold brook trout streams Expansion and improvement of water access sites Management of forests for age class and composition diversity to support wildlife habitat, watershed health and economic opportunityThe DNR is also seeking public input on an option to establish a project boundary for a new property at the Grandfather Falls in with Wisconsin River, potentially known as the Grandfather Falls State Ice Age Trail Area. They'll be accepting comments through December 7. They've also got a pair of meetings planned for early November in Rhinelander and Park Falls. The DNR has information on the master plan, the meetings and ways to submit feedback on their website.

Published on 10/09/2025 under News The latest round of voting for Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin has come to a close, and marks the end for the lone Northwoods nominee. Each October, Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce highlights the many interesting and unique products made right here in the Badger State through a friendly and fun public voting contest. It started last month with around 150 nominees. The Top 16 were placed into a bracket style tournament and included the Genesis work boot made by Thorogood in Merrill. Unfortunately, they were outvoted in the first official round of voting by extrication equipment made by TNT Rescue Systems. Other products remaining include #1 Seed: Carbliss Carbliss in Plymouth #3 Seed: Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboat 1000 Island Airboats in Marion #5 Seed: Comfort Custom Seating System Permobil in New Berlin #7 Seed: The Maple Shot 10 pack carton The Maple Dude in Granton #8 Seed: 38 VTR Cruisers Yachts in Oconto #11 Seed: Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese Sargento in Plymouth #13 Seed: Kikkoman Soy Sauce Kikkoman Foods, Inc. in Walworth #15 Seed: Extrication Tools TNT Rescue Systems in Hartland In announcing the results of the voting, Kurt Bauer, President & CEO of WMC,"We're continually inspired by how passionately Wisconsinites rally around this competition." Voting in the Round of 8 begins today and runs through next Tuesday. You can read about the all of the products and cast a ballot at madeinwis.com. The winner will be crowned on October 23.

Published on 10/09/2025 under News Marching bands improve the atmosphere of events from high school football games to local parades. Those students will take center stage and a special competition coming up in Rhinelander this weekend. The community will showcase hundreds of student musicians at Mike Webster Stadium for the Hodag Marching Showcase. Organizers noted its an opportunity for the students to showcase their skills and school spirit. The students will represent a half dozen schools in the area including not only host Rhinelander, but the marching bands from Lakeland, DC Everest, Medford and Antigo will also be playing a short performance. The public is also invited to attend the Hodag Marching Showcase. It is free, and gets underway at 11am Saturday morning Mike Webster Stadium in Rhinelander.

Published on 10/08/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad ended the Great Northern Conference regular season on a sour note, losing in five sets to Medford, 17-25, 26-24, 19-25, 25-21, 5-15 at the Hatchet House on Senior Night Tuesday. The Hatchets went back and forth with the Raiders in Games two, three, and four. However, Tomahawk's serve receive faltered in the fifth game. Siennah Calkins finished with a career-high 25 kills. Shelby Borowski had a season-high 34 assists, one off from her career high. The Hatchets' record falls to 12-15 on the season and 2-5 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will have their final non-conference match of the season Thursday night at Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First serve is at 7:00. The Hatchets will play in the Great Northern Conference Tournament Saturday at Northland Pines.

Published on 10/08/2025 under News For more than a decade a former bookstore on Tomahawk's Main Street has sat vacant. The City is looking to facilitate the redevelopment of the property by applying for a state grant. The former Cover to Cover Bookstore on Wisconsin Avenue has sat vacant since a fire in 2010. On a number of occasions the city has attempted to work with developers to renovate the building, but those previous efforts have stalled. City officials have been working with Tomahawk Property Investments, LLC on a redevelopment plan. They own the neighboring building occupied by Nacho's. They're looking to expand the restaurant to allow for additional capacity, a full bar, and outdoor seating. They would also renovate the two apartments on the second floor. As part of the project, they are seeking an up-to-$250,000 Community Development Investment Matching Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The city would act as an intermediary, applying for and receiving the grant. The funds would be passed to the developer, who would also be responsible for the matching portion of the grant. It's a similar arrangement to the ongoing renovations at the former laundromat on Main Street. At last night's meeting, the City Council approved two items related to the grant and developer's agreement. Now they play the waiting game, to see if they are selected by the WEDC. It was an otherwise quiet City Council meeting, following monthly reports there were a handful of action items, each approved unanimously and with minimal discussion. The Council approved the monthly operator licenses; a special event application for a new youth baseball tournament next May; and a cleaning service contract for the Tomahawk Senior Center.

Published on 10/08/2025 under News As road construction season winds down for the summer, the DoT continues to plan for future projects. On the docket for 2027, is the intersection at Highway 51 and County K/Swamp Lake Road in Oneida County. Coming up next week, the DoT will host a public involvement meeting to discuss current plans for the project. After studying several options, the proposed improvements would include reconstructing the intersection as a single-lane roundabout, which the DoT says is aimed at reducing the number of severe crashes at the intersection and maintain traffic operations. The meeting is scheduled next Tuesday, Oct. 14, beginning at 5 pm, just down the road from the intersection at the Northwoods Community Elementary School in Harshaw. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5 pm with the remainder of the meeting to follow an open-house format.

Published on 10/08/2025 under News It's Fire Prevention Week, and area fire fighters are working overtime to educate kids about important lessons when it comes to fire safety. Locally, crews from the Tomahawk, Nokomis and Little Rice Fire Departments will be teaming up to visit classrooms and other community stops like the library. Down in Merrill, they'll actually spend several weeks with students, allowing for more in-depth lessons to develop life long safety habits. In addition to the basics, each year they offer a different theme for Fire Prevention Week. This year's their focused on a relatively modern concern...lithium ion batteries. They are focused on three areas specifically: choosing the correct battery; safe charging; and proper battery disposal. We'll share a bit more on those tips this week. In additions to the kids, local firefighters are also raising awareness about the need for more people to get involved, particularly at rural volunteer fire departments here in the Northwoods.

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