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City of Tomahawk Eyes Tourism Commission to Oversee Room Tax

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Fresh off the Fall Ride, one of the area's biggest tourism events of the year, Tomahawk's Finance Committee took a closer look at how one specific category of visitor dollars is spent. The City currently collects a 4% room tax, which is administered through a partnership with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. At a special meeting last night, the Finance Committee recommended establishing a Tourism Commission to provide an added layer of guidance and oversight for those funds. State law restricts how room tax revenue can be spent, requiring the majority to be earmarked for tourism promotion. During the meeting, Chamber Director Charis Lau gave a presentation detailing current marketing efforts, which range from targeted digital advertising to regional partnerships with Discover Wisconsin. While only the City of Tomahawk and the Town of King currently collect a room tax locally, there is a growing push to include neighboring townships like Harrison, Nokomis, and Bradley. Regional adoption could eventually allow the Chamber to transition into a Visitors Bureau, a specific state designation with separate operational and funding guidelines. The Finance Committee acted on two ordinance proposals, recommending both for final approval by the City Council. This includes creating the Tourism Commission, though the original draft was amended to expand the body from five to seven members, combining city officials and representatives from the local lodging industry. If approved by the full Council, the local commission may ultimately be short-lived. Should neighboring townships adopt their own room taxes, the next logical step would be forming a joint municipal commission to oversee the shared funding.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Mental health and substance use disorders affect every community, family, and age group. A gathering in Rhinelander this evening aims to break the stigma and celebrate recovery. Community partners in Oneida County are hosting "Light Up the Night for Recovery" as part of National Recovery Month this September, serving as a reminder that recovery is possible for everyone. Because support is a vital piece of the recovery journey, the family-friendly event will feature a community resource fair, games, refreshments, and a space for story-sharing. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate recovery, honor those lost, and connect with peer support networks. Jenny Chiamulera, Oneida County Community Health Specialist and event co-organizer says, "Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one should have to walk the journey alone. Light Up the Night for Recovery brings our community together to celebrate hope, share stories, and remind people that support is available." Light Up the Night for Recovery takes place tonight at Hodag Park in Rhinelander from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News More than 1,300 Oneida County residents are currently living with dementia—and over the weekend, many of those individuals, their families, and local supporters came together to walk for a cure. Rhinelander hosted its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Hodag Dome on Saturday morning. According to event organizers, nearly 400 walkers participated, helping to raise more than $200,000. That fundraising total is expected to grow, as organizers will continue accepting donations through the end of the year. Dave Grams, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter, called the turnout "nothing short of extraordinary." He says, "To see so many people come together, each with their own story and their own reason to walk, was incredibly moving." In addition to funding critical research, the proceeds directly support local families by providing access to education, community resources, and support services.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Leaves are beginning to change across the Northwoods, and Wisconsin's tourism arm is making it easier to time your leaf-viewing trips. Coinciding with the arrival of autumn, Travel Wisconsin has launched its annual Fall Color Report. The interactive online map tracks real-time color progression across all 72 counties, fueled by localized updates from roughly 100 volunteer reporters statewide. In addition to color percentages, the site highlights nearby amenities, regional attractions, designated "selfie stations," and popular viewing destinations (like nearby Timm's Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin). Visitors can also view photos, videos, and aerial drone footage from around the state. "Fall is spectacular but short, and there's not a moment to miss," said Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. "The Fall Color Report takes the guesswork out of planning a trip. Visitors know where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of their time when they get there." A combination of factors influences the timing and intensity of autumn foliage, including tree health, daylight hours, soil moisture, and seasonal temperatures. Most of the Northwoods is currently reporting 10% to 25% color change, with peak vibrancy expected during the first full week of October. The Fall Color Report is available on the Travel Wisconsin website, where travelers can also sign up for email updates.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Law enforcement agencies and school bus operators across the state are joining forces this week to advocate for student safety at bus stops. The annual "Operation Safe Stop" campaign, a joint effort between the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin School Bus Association, combines public education with targeted enforcement to remind motorists about the dangers and laws surrounding stopped school buses. "Every time a driver fails to stop for a school bus, children are put at serious risk of a tragic outcome that no family should have to experience," said State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. Under Wisconsin law, drivers approaching from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus with its red warning lights flashing. The only exception is on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier, such as a median. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, officers issued more than 1,300 citations for passing stopped buses last year, with fines starting at $676. In preparation for this week's effort, school bus drivers and local officials identified specific bus routes and stops that frequently experience illegal passing, allowing officers to focus extra patrol efforts on those high-risk areas.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News A 51-year-old Wausau man arrested over Fall Ride weekend for operating a motorcycle while intoxicated made his initial court appearance Tuesday in Lincoln County Circuit Court. Ryan Plisch faces a felony charge of 8th-offense OWI, along with misdemeanor charges of operating while revoked, tampering with or failing to install an Ignition Interlock Device, and bail jumping. During the hearing, the court set a $5,000 bond with conditions requiring absolute sobriety. Plisch must also be equipped with a Sobrietor monitoring device prior to any release from custody. The arrest occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. Sunday when a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop for speeding on Highway 86 near County Highway T, west of Tomahawk. The trooper observed signs of impairment during the stop and subsequently placed Plisch under arrest.

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Sports Headlines

Service Errors Plague Tomahawk Volleyball in Sweep at Antigo

Published on 09/22/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad would showcase their scrappy selves, but came up short in a sweep to Antigo, 26-24, 28-26, 25-13. The Hatchets would go back and forth on points in sets one and two, but came up short both times. In set three, Antigo turned on the hard-hitting serves and would come away with timely kills and aces to put the match in their grasp. Lexi Palmer finished with a game-high 17 assists. Lauren Reibe finished with eight kills and four aces. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-15 on the season and 0-4 in GNC Play. The Hatchets are back on the court Thursday for two more matches at the Hatchet House. Tomahawk will square off with Newman Catholic and Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Matches begin at 5:00.

Published on 09/19/2026 under Sports The 2026 Smiley Invite at 9-Mile Park Saturday saw Tomahawk's Cross Country squads each finish in the top 15. The Hatchet girls placed 14th out of 28 Division 2 and 3 squads. Tomahawk's Top runners finished in the Top 20 individually. Elise Gibeault placed 16th with a time of 20:46. Charlee Lund placed 19th with a time of 20:50. As for the Hatchet boys, they would place 13th overall among Division 2 and 3 schools. Connor Zorn finished as the Hatchets' top runner, placing 50th with a time of 18:30. Jordyn Carew placed 70th with a time of 18:51. The next invite for Tomahawk will be at Big Stone Golf Course, hosted by Three Lakes. Events begin at 4:00. Girls Team Finishers: Prentice/Rib Lake - 4th Tomahawk 14th Three Lakes/Phelps - 18th Chequamegon - 20th Northland Pines - 22nd Boys Team Finishers: Prentice/Rib Lake - 3rd Chequamegon - 12th Tomahawk - 13th Laona-Wabeno - 17th Northland Pines - 18th

Published on 09/17/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' swimmers had their closest Conference dual meet of the season, losing at home to Ladysmith Thursday, 66-56. Tomahawk as a team had three first-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich had two of them, coming in the 50 and 200 yard freestyles. Aubrey Tollefson placed first in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:27.09. The loss drops Tomahawk to 0-6 in Dual meets this season. The Hatchets are back in the pool next Thursday for another GNC Dual meet against Antigo. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad's struggles would continue at the Hatchet House Thursday night as they would lose to non-conference perennial powerhouse Stratford, 25-22, 25-14, 25-16. Despite the strong start, the Hatchets were unable to overcome the consistent power and strength of the Tigers. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-14 on the season and 0-3 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for a Great Northern Conference match in Antigo Tuesday. The match will be broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Prematch Show at 6:35 and First serve at 7:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 09/15/2026 under Sports In the battle for Lincoln County Volleyball, Tomahawk was swept at the Hatchet House by the Merrill Blue Jays Tuesday night, 25-13, 25-12, 25-10. The Hatchets were unable to compete with the Blue Jays' serving and serve-receiving Tuesday. Lauren Reibe led the way with five kills for the Hatchets as they fall to 4-13 on the season and 0-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will have a night of practice before returning back to the Hatchet House Thursday for a showdown with perennial powerhouse Stratford. First serve is at 7:00.

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