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No Eagle River Ice Castle in 2026 due to Ice Conditions

Published on 01/06/2026 under News Poor conditions mean the Eagle River Ice Castle will have to wait another year. Each year, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build the giant ice structure out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. They typically need 14 inches of ice for the build, however they only 10.5-11 inches. This led to their decision Monday to cancel the Ice Castle for 2026. They noted, that rain and snow last weekend was a set back. While they were eventually able to clear off the ice, able, it left behind a rough, uneven and brittle layer on top. Coupled with a warm-up in the forecast this week, they don't anticipate ice conditions will improve enough to produce the approximately 2,500 ice blocks to build. The Eagle River Ice Castle is a tradition that dates back to the 1930's, and has received widespread interest in the age of social media selfies and pictures. The build, however, has been sporadic recently. Last winter was just the second time in the past eight years that they've been able to build.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News A home in the town of Pine River was destroyed in a fire Monday morning. According to the Pine River Fire Department, responders were initially called to the home on Oak Ridge Avenue in the 5am hour. The homeowner reported smoke in the kitchen. Upon arrival, a deputy and firefighters weren't able to find smoke or flames. They cleared the scene after searching the home and a scan with their thermal imaging camera. A few hours later, at around 9:15am, the homeowner called 911 again after observing flames. Crews returned, and a mutual aid call was made for neighboring agencies. They worked to contain the fire, but it spread quickly through the attic. In addition to neighboring fire departments, the Lincoln County Highway Department brought in their clam truck in order to expose hidden fire pockets in the roof. Chief Lofink offered thanks to their partners during the response. Despite their efforts, the home was declared a total loss. All occupants and pets were able to evacuate. The Salvation Army is assisting the family. The report did not immediately identify a cause of fire. -Photo provided by Pine River Fire Department

Published on 01/06/2026 under News A Mosinee man was arrested following an investigation into a vehicle crash and burglary in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were called to County T in the Town of Somo for a vehicle in the ditch. The reporting party also indicated the occupant of the vehicle had broken into a building on his property. Deputies made contact with the 60 year old suspect, who initially denied the break-in. Deputies, however, located fresh foot prints in the snow which led the building where they found signs of forced entry. The deputy also located items allegedly taken from the building laying around the suspect's vehicle. As a result the man was taken into custody for burglary, criminal damage to property, bail jumping, and resisting/obstructing and officer.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News While incidents of blastomycosis are typically in the warmer months, the illness will be a topic of conversation this evening. Blastomycosis or 'blasto' is caused by a fungus that naturally occurs in areas with moist soil and decaying wood and leaves. Past data has shown Lincoln County has a higher than average rate of infection. Coming up this evening in Merrill, Emma Jaeger and John Snyder from the Medical College of Wisconsin, will host a presentation on Blastomycosis. It's part of the "Physician in the Community" project to educate health care providers and the community on Blasto specific to the region. According to the announcement, they plan to discuss key signs and symptoms, local data, geographical impact, and ways to improve outcomes in the community. They'll also have an opportunity for questions and people to share personal experiences following the presentation. The TB Scott Free Library in Merrill will be hosting the conversation at 6pm this evening.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News Most snowmobile trails in Lincoln County are now open. On Monday, the Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced trails in Zone 4 are now open, joining zones 1,2,and 3 which had previously opened. In the announcement, the department also highlighted the work of local snowmobile clubs, noting they have dedicated significant time and effort to brushing, signing, and grooming the trails. They added, "We encourage riders to thank these volunteers, consider joining a club, and support these organizations through active participation. Without the ongoing work of these clubs, our trail network would not be possible."

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Hockey Team Defeats Middleton at Neenah Tourney

Published on 12/31/2025 under Sports On Tuesday, the Hatchet Hockey Team played their final game of the Neenah Holiday Tournament and defeated Middleton 9-2. The Cardinals scored the first goal of the game, with Tomahawk responding and scoring three goals to end the period and lead 3-1. Brayden Lamer had two of the goals in the first and Jonah Dickens added the other. Assisting on the Lamer goals was Caiden Reichelt, Cold Peterson and Beau Stromberg. The Hatchets would open the second period scoring with two quick power play goals from Jake Albert. The first came 00:52 seconds into the period and was assisted by Lamer and Jett Reilly. Albert's second came 00:46 second later, assisted by Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led 5-1. Jett Reilly would add the third goal of the second, assisted by Lamer and Dickens and Tomahawk led 6-1 after two. Middleton would cut the lead to 6-2, before Tomahawk responded with three goals to close the scoring. Lamer scored his third of the night, assisted by Dickens and Rex Reilly. Jett Reilly got his second of the game 00:22 seconds later on an assist from Dickens and Dickens scored in the closing minutes of the period on a short handed goal. Hudson Seymour had 16 saves for Tomahawk. The Hatchets are now 8-2 overall and will host Antigo on Tuesday night at SARA Park Arena.

Published on 12/29/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Hockey Team would suffer their first loss of the 2025-26 season in the first round of the Rocket Red Nose Classic in Neenah Sunday afternoon, losing to #1 in Division 1 Stevens Point, 10-4. Tomahawk would surrender five goals in the first period after jumping ahead in the first minute of the game. Tomahawk would cut the lead to 6-3 after outscoring SPASH 2-1 in the second period. Jett Reilly found the back of the net twice. Jonah Dickens and Breck Stromberg each contributed a goal. The loss drops Tomahawk to 8-1 on the season and 4-0 in Great Northern Conference Play. The Hatchets will play in the consolation semifinals today of the Tournament against Eau Claire North. The puck drops at 4:30.

Published on 12/22/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Hockey team's undefeated season would continue at SARA Park Saturday afternoon, defeating the West Bend Bears, 9-1. Tomahawk would score at least two goals in every single period during the game. Jonah Dickens notched five goals on the day. However, his biggest achievement came with his fourth goal of the game. Dickens surpasses former teammate Austin Lamer as Tomahawk's all-time leading scorer with now 234 career points. Dickens also has the Hatchet all-time goals record at 155. The Hatchets also got goals from Caiden Reichelt, Rex Reilly, Cole Peterson, and Beau Stromberg. Jett Reilly had four assists, and Rex Reilly and Jake Albert each had two assists. Tomahawk's record improves to 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets begin the Rocket Red Nose Classic in Neenah December 28th. Their first game is against #1 in Division 1 Stevens Point at 4:30 PM.

Published on 12/19/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad would finish the 2025 calendar year with a 115-43 loss to Rhinelander at the Hodag Pool Thursday evening. The Hatchets would come away with one first-place finish in the dual meet. Bruce Peetz would win the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.26. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 1-6 on the season. The Hatchets will take a couple of weeks off before their next meet, a double dual in Medford with the host and Lakeland January 6th

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