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Lakeland Pantry Receives Starbucks FoodShare Grant for Freezer Purchase Published on 10/08/2025 under News

Those morning coffee purchases have helped address food insecurity both locally and around the country.

The Lakeland Pantry shared that they have been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Starbucks FoodShare program. They'll utilize the funds to purchase an additional freezer to increase their storage capacity. Pantry Director Lorna Springate called the support a game-changer.

In addition to the donations, Starbucks FoodShare also redirects some of their surplus, ready-to-eat meals. Through the Starbucks FoodShare program, Lakeland Pantry also receives supplemental food support with a steady supply of fresh sandwiches, salads, protein boxes, and other ready-to-eat items that might otherwise go to waste.

In Other News

Hatchet Volleyball Team Loses to Medford in Five

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.

Published on 10/08/2025 under News The Nicolet College Foundation kicked off its biggest scholarship fundraising event of the year. A Day for Nicolet is when Foundation board members will begin contacting businesses, organizations, clubs, and individuals throughout the region to generate donations. Board president John Schiek says, "This event has always been about neighbors helping neighbors. He added, "When we come together to support students, we're not just investing in their education, we're investing in the Northwoods." This is the 25th edition of A Day for Nicolet. Over the years, the effort has raised more than $3.5 million for scholarships, emergency funds, and academic programs, helping thousands of students pursue their dreams and build brighter futures. This year the Foundation set a fundraising goal of $205,000 during A Day for Nicolet. Heather Schallock, executive director of the Nicolet College Foundation added, "Nicolet College donors truly believe in the value of a Nicolet College education. They see how it can improve the lives of individuals and also benefit the communities in which graduates live and work." She called it an opportunity for donors to fuel the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

Published on 10/08/2025 under News This year's set of peregrine falcon chicks hatched at WPS and WE Energies power plants are thriving, and also exploring. Just a few months after leaving the nest, a trio of young falcons from this year's hatch have been spotted out in the wild. While still in the nest, the chicks receive a leg band featuring a unique combination of colors, letters, and numbers to help identify them. Among the sightings was Hercules, born at the Weston Power Plant in the Wausau area. He made his way down to Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County where he was photographed by a birder. The other two sightings came from falcons born in the Milwaukee area.Scott, born at the Oak Creek facility was spotted at a nature preserve in Skokie, Illinois. And Breezer from Valley Power Plant needed a little help from a retired DNR warden who freed the bird from some netting in Hustisford. All three of these birds were spotted between September 16 and 22. Officials noted that sightings of just one of these birds is rare, let alone three in the same week. The WPS/WE Energies peregrine falcon recovery efforts date back to 1992. During that time, 465 chicks have hatched in nesting boxes at their power plants around the state. That includes the 12 falcons born this year.

Published on 10/07/2025 under News New and expecting mothers and their families can receive a little help thanks to some groups and organizations here in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Health Department and their partners are hosting the second of their twice-a-year Community Baby Showers on Tuesday. Lexi Buntrock, a public health educator for the Lincoln County Health Department explained, "This event is a one-stop-shop that connects expecting families and those with young children, with the education and resources they need and want, right here in our community." They'll have booths and experts providing information and resources on topics such as car seat checks, childcare, child nutrition, breastfeeding, early literacy and safe sleep for babies. And, while supplies last, they'll also have some care packages with baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and a starter toothbrush. Buntrock says the Community Baby Shower is free for new or expecting parents, along with grandparents, families, and other caregivers of children from newborns to around 2 years old. And little ones are invited as well. They've been hosting these Community Baby Showers since 2023, alternating between Tomahawk in the spring and Merrill in fall, so they'll be back at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill today. It's an open-house style from 3pm to 6pm, and no registration is required.

Published on 10/07/2025 under News A video short focused on a Lincoln County sled-dog kennel has earned a regional Emmy nomination. Two years ago, Lincoln County partnered with Discover Mediaworks to produce video segments for the Uniquely Wisconsin series. The goal is to tell the story of a location through it's people. That included an episode called Wisconsin Musher & the Love for Their Dogs. It follows Gleason-based Melissa Omernick and her family and dogs. The video was released in December of last year and has received around 10,000 views on Youtube. According to an announcement from Discover Mediaworks, that episode has now been nominated for a Chicago / Midwest Emmy® Award for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest. It was one of three nominations for videos Discover Mediaworks produced last year. They said in the announcement, "We're so grateful to our talented team, supportive partners, and the amazing community who helped bring this inspiring story to life. We're honored to share the stories of Wisconsinites whose passion and dedication make storytelling like this possible." Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on November 1.

Published on 10/07/2025 under News An investigation into a wrong way driver in Lincoln County over the weekend resulted in an arrest for operating while intoxicated. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were called to a report of a vehicle traveling south in the northbound lanes of Highway 51 in the Town of Merrill on Sunday. The report indicated multiple vehicles were forced to take evasive maneuvers to avoid being struck. The deputy located the vehicle, but said the driver initially failed to stop, continuing for approximately 3 miles. Upon finally making contact, the woman said she didn't realize she was traveling on the wrong side of the highway. According to the report, the deputy observed signs of impairment including an open intoxicant in the vehicle. The driver was physically unable to perform sobriety tests. As a result, the 49 year old was brought to the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges including 3rd offense OWI and recklessly endangering safety. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report: An 18 year old Merrill man is facing charges following an investigation into a domestic disturbance. The female victim told deputies an argument turned physical and she was punched in the face. The deputies observed injuries consistent with that statement. The suspect was taken into custody and brought to the jail on multiple charges including substantial battery.The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains elevated with another 9 reported on Lincoln County roadways. One motorist reported striking a bear.

Published on 10/07/2025 under News Those heading out onto area waterways to hunt ducks or geese can help play a role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. With the waterfowl season underway, the DNR is reminding hunters to check for aquatic hitchhikers and take some simple steps to avoid transporting them to lakes, rivers, and streams. According to the DNR, invasive species are quite good at finding places to hide. They noted: tiny plants and animals, eggs, and seeds can be hidden in mud found on anchors, props, tires and trailers. Hunting gear like boots, waders and decoys should be inspected. And if you're bringing along a hunting dog, the pup and their accessories should be rinsed and checked, as well. The DNR says "Protect the places you love to hunt – for this season and generations to come. With just a few extra minutes of care, hunters can help stop invasive species in their tracks and keep Wisconsin's wetlands and waterways thriving."

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