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Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Staffers during 2025 Awards Published on 01/20/2026 under News

It's awards season, and the Lincoln County Sheirff's Office recently recognized four staff members for their actions or their ongoing efforts and service.

Lt. Tom Tollefson was presented with the 'Life Saving Award' thanks to his efforts in December. While responding to a welfare check, they said Tollefson found an individual not breathing and with no pulse. He began CPR, and those actions contributed to saving the patient. This isn't the first life-saving award Tollefson has won during his law enforcement career. Ten years ago, while a member of the Tomahawk Police Department, he was presented with a Life Saving Medal for a water rescue.

Back to the Lincoln County Awards, Jail Administrator Nicholas Hoeft was presented with the Sheriff's Recognition Award for what was described as selflessness and dedication during a critical incident involving the Dive Team in July 2025.

Two others were recognized for ongoing work. Corrections Officer Julie Remington was presented with the Distinguished Service Award while working diligently in the implementation and refinement of the Lincoln County Jail's Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Program.

Deputy Mariah Wegmueller was recognized as Deputy Of The Year for her exceptional service and consistently demonstrating the agency's core values (service to the community, integrity, and professionalism).

The Sheriff's Office said of the recipients, "Your actions and dedication reflect great credit upon yourselves, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and the law enforcement community."

In Other News

Tomahawk PD Bring Back Collectible Pipo K9 Coin

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Police Department has brought back a popular fundraiser to support their K9 program. The Tomahawk Police Department recently announced the limited sale of Pipo challenge coins. For those unfamiliar, Pipo is a seven year old yellow lab who has served as the TPD K-9 officer the past five years. The collectible coin is designed in the shape of a paw print and also features the Tomahawk Police Department and K9 logo. This isn't the first collector's item featuring the pup. They sold similar coins last fall, and they've previously sold Pipo-inspired plush toys. Since it's launch, the Tomahawk K-9 unit has been funded outside of the department's budget through grants, community contributions, and fundraisers which are used on training, certification, and other program costs. The Pipo Challenge Coins are being sold at the police department front desk.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News Like clockwork, a pairs of camera friendly peregrine falcons have returned to their nesting boxes around the state. Wisconsin Public Service announced that peregrine falcons have started to show up on their nest cams including the Weston Plant near Wausau. For a third year in a row, Sheldon has been joined by an unbanded female at the Weston Plant. Last year they produced three new chicks. For more than three decades, WPS and WE Energies have played a crucial role in the successful recovery of the state's peregrine falcon populations. More than 400 chicks have hatched at these facilities, making up an estimated 20 percent of Wisconsin's current wild peregrine falcon populations. The Weston Plant nest has seen more than 40. Each spring, via webcams, the public has a chance to follow along these birds from egg to first flight. As for the timeline, the eggs are typically laid between late March and Mid-April. They'll hatch about 5 weeks later. The fledglings will be named and banded before they eventually leave the nest.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News A Northwoods business is in the running for a downtown makeover contest. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has announced the three finalists for its annual Main Street Makeover, a program that awards up to $10,000 and professional design help to transform a downtown storefront. Among the finalists is The Brew Station in Three Lakes. The business and gathering spot, owned by Dan and Gina Stehl, has become a destination for both locals and visitors to enjoy craft beers in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The business actually won a WEDC Outdoor Patio Makeover in 2023. The outdoor space is coupled with a cozy, Northwoods-themed interior. Now they're hoping, if selected, the storefront redesign will better this welcoming atmosphere. If selected, the makeover would focus on upgrades like new signage, lighting, and a redesigned entrance to help draw more people into the business while strengthening the character of downtown Three Lakes. The Brew Station is competing against Christel's Pet Supplies & More in Kiel and Blue Heron Antiques in Waupun. The winner will work with consultants from Studio GWA, Inc. on a renovation plan before a reveal of the storefront transformation later this spring. The winner of the 2026 Main Street Makeover Contest is expected to be announced later this month.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk STAR Foundation continues to support the community. They recently provided a grant to a program that offers opportunity for those with neurodivergence or autism in the community. Islands of Brilliance is based in Milwaukee, but they've been setting up hubs and regional locations around the state. In 2024, the program was brought to the Tomahawk. They've partnered with the Public Library, which hosts the twice-monthly meetings. They offer creative, technology-based workshops for autistic young adults in the community. It allows them to connect socially with peers and work on interest-driven creative projects. In announcing the grant, the STAR Foundation said, "Programs like IOB are especially meaningful in rural communities where inclusive spaces and resources for neurodivergent young adults are limited." Speaking of the STAR Foundation, their Best Burger in Paradise fundraiser is back. We'll have some board members on the morning conversation coming up on Thursday to discuss this year's promotion, and some of the changes they've made. Cards are currently on sale, and we've got some here at the WJJQ studios.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Hatchet hockey team has had great success in recent years, but the hockey program here in Tomahawk has had a rich history that dates back much further. Now the Tomahawk Historical Society is looking to tell that story. The Tomahawk Historical Society recently announced plans to create a new exhibit focused on ice hockey in the Tomahawk community. To help enhance the exhibit and fill out the display, they put out a call for people willing to contribute items. This can include old equipment including jerseys, skates, sticks, and pucks. They're also looking for other memorabilia and documents like old newspaper articles, rosters and statistics, or other team documents. Rink information at Pride Park and SARA Park may also be useful. Those with potential contributions can reach out via the Tomahawk Historical Society Facebook page.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Tomahawk High School is expanding hands-on, high-tech learning opportunities thanks to an ongoing partnership with a local manufacturer. The Tomahawk School District has received $16,989 from CNH Industrial and CASE Construction Equipment, helping upgrade several pieces of advanced manufacturing equipment in the Hatchet Innovation Lab, the district's version of a Fab Lab. The latest funding allowed the lab to add a new 3D printer, a large-format laminator and cutter, and embroidery and grommet machines. Teacher Andy Peissig says, "Over the past several years, our Innovation Lab has grown into a dynamic space where students design, prototype, manufacture, and market real products using professional-grade equipment." The investment strengthens the connection between classroom learning and careers in advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship. The tools in the lab mirror the processes used in advanced manufacturing facilities, providing students with authentic, career-ready experiences before they graduate. Peissig says it has become a "place where creativity meets technology, where ideas become products, and where students build the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world." The district says, "By investing in our Innovation Lab, CNH Industrial/CASE Construction Equipment is investing directly in the future workforce of our community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and belief in our students."

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday. When setting your clocks forward, local emergency teams are also suggesting people check off other emergency tasks around the home. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Daylight saving time is more than adjusting a clock, it's an opportunity to be prepared. Emergencies can happen at any time and springing into action now can keep our loved ones and property safe." Of course the most common reminder is to change out the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The units should also be tested as they do have recommended expiration dates. The Lincoln County Health Department noted that over the past five years, Lincoln County has had a higher rate of ER visits due to carbon monoxide poisoning than the state as a whole. In addition to smoke and carbon monoxide batteries, Ready Wisconsin also provided some additional tips around the home. They recommend creating a home emergency kit, or if you already have one, review the items. It should include food and water to last three days, a battery-powered radio and light source, a supply of batteries, and a first aid kit. And as we change seasons in the coming weeks, a quick outdoor home inspection helps. Check on gutters and drainage to prevent home flooding, as well as any trees and branches that could become hazards during spring and summer storms.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Mild temperatures and rain have likely put an end to another local snowmobile season. Oneida County is the latest to announce a trail closures, effective as of 8am this morning. They also remind riders that operating a closed trail is prohibited. According to the announcement, at this time, it is a temporary closure and the trails may reopen when/if weather and trail conditions improve. Oneida County riders had about ten weeks of riding this year, the trails opened just ahead of Christmas. Those looking to get in one last weekend of riding will have to head further north. As of Friday morning, the trails in Vilas and Iron Counties do remain open. Earlier this week, Lincoln County announced trail closures for the remainder of the year, regardless of any additional snowfall.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News While the riding season has come to a close here in Lincoln County, a local snowmobile club tasked with maintaining the system received a boost. Earlier this week, the Tomahawk STAR Foundation awarded the Knight Owls Snowmobile Club with a $2,000 grant for the purchase of trail maintenance equipment. The Knight Owls maintain the snowmobile trails in and around the greater Tomahawk area. This isn't the first time the two organizations linked up recently. At the start of the new year, Nancy Swan, on behalf of the Knight Owls, participated in the STAR Foundation STAR Splash. In fact, the Knight Owls were the leading fundraiser in that effort as well. Speaking of STAR Foundation fundraisers, they also teased the return of the Best Burger in Paradise Contest, which kicks off April 1.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News With the spring thaw well underway, the DNR is reminding anglers of the ice shanty removal deadlines including one coming up this weekend. Officials note the deadlines to remove shelters help eliminate spring shoreline litter and boating dangers this spring. For most inland waterways, the state is divided into a Northern and Southern Zone separated in this area by Highway 64. Starting on Sunday, shelters must be removed from waters in the southern zone. Anglers in the Northern zone get an extra two weeks with the deadline on March 15. With the current forecast and deteriorating ice conditions, it may be of benefit to begin planning removal of these ice shelters as well. Once the removal deadline passes, anglers can continue to use portable ice fishing shelters as long as they are removed daily when not in use. The DNR also reminds everyone considering heading onto the ice at this time of year to use extra caution do to rapidly changing conditions.

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