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32nd Edition of Tomahawk Main Street Memories Car Show Dedicated to Swede Jorgensen

Published on 05/21/2026 under News One of the driving forces behind a popular car show in Tomahawk will be riding in spirit this weekend. Organizers of the Main Street Memories Car Show announced this year, the 32nd overall, will be dedicated to Swede Jorgensen. Swede was one of the original founders of the longtime Tomahawk tradition, who passed away in November. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz explained Jorgensen was part of the original Northwoods Cruisers Car Club that launched the car show back in 1995. As the event grew, the Club handed over the planning to Tomahawk Main Street, but continued to play a key role in volunteering and participation. This year, Turkiewicz says they plan to prominently feature Jorgensen's image in promotional materials and are working with family to have his beloved classic Chevy Bel-Air on display during Sunday's event. Jorgensen was widely known for his passion for the '55 Chevy specifically and even created a personal museum dedicated to the iconic car. As for the Car Show, it's coming up on Sunday. It typically brings around 300 vehicles to downtown Tomahawk, filling Main Street with classic cars, hot rods, and car enthusiasts from across the region. We'll have a bit more on those festivities during our Friday morning preview.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News More than half of the deer ticks tested in a local research project carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The findings come from the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science (TICS) project, an ongoing study by the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute now entering a third year. Their goal is to map tick populations and the pathogens they carry. Over the first two years, they said people collected and submitted more than 12,000 ticks for evaluation. When researchers analyzed 707 non-engorged adult female deer ticks submitted during the first year of the study, they found 51% tested positive for the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. That data came with caution. They said the study doesn't indicate that there is a 50% chance of acquiring Lyme disease from a deer tick bite. Other factors may also impact transmission such as the length of time the tick is embedded as well as follow up treatments. Dr. Jennifer Meece says, "We don't want to scare people off from being outdoors...We just encourage people to take proactive steps to protect themselves from ticks and be observant if they do find themselves with a tick bite." According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, reported cases of Lyme disease have quadrupled over the past 20 years. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The TICS study is ongoing and people can continue to submit samples.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend typically serves as the unofficial start to summer; officials are expecting near record travel. As we previously shared, Triple A forecasts around 750,000 Wisconsinites will hit the road this weekend. Here in the Northwoods, the busiest stretch is along the Hwy 51/I39 corridor. While some travelers will look to get a jump start on travel this evening, northbound traffic is expected to peak on Friday afternoon and evening. Monday afternoon it's the return traffic heading south. To accommodate the increased travel, the DoT says most of their road construction projects will be paused, though motorists are encouraged to 'know before you go' and check your route. They're also encouraging motorists to drive safely not only this weekend, but throughout the summer travel season. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "Safety on our roads is something we all create together." She added, "Every choice – slowing down, putting the phone away, watching for workers and other drivers – adds up to safer travel for everyone. As we told you earlier this week, the annual Click It or Ticket campaign is ongoing which brings an increased law enforcement effort to seat belt use. And coming up tomorrow the State Patrol will be conducting an aerial enforcement on Highway 51 in Oneida County.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Lincoln County Board of Supervisors is hoping to turn opioid settlement dollars into even more funding opportunities. Board members on Tuesday approved a resolution allocating $10,000 in opioid settlement funds to hire grant writers to assist with competitive grant applications tied to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. They said that larger grants could help support future, long-term programs such as a family treatment court, prevention initiatives, and long-term sustainability for the jail's medication-assisted treatment program. The resolution notes that while the county's Opioid Settlement Task Force is responsible for developing plans for the settlement dollars, outside grant-writing expertise could improve the county's chances of securing additional state and federal funding opportunities which were described as highly competitive by settlement coordinator Erin Ray. Officials say the move is intended to help stretch settlement dollars further while expanding local resources aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Camping and cabin season kicks off with the Memorial Day weekend, and officials are reminding people that hauling firewood from home could lead to the spread emerald ash borer, oakwilt and other destructive pests and diseases. Officials note that to the human eye, a quick examination won't spot pests or disease that can be hidden below the bark or burrowed deep inside the wood. Over the years, state partners have coined the phrase "buy it where you burn it." In other words, rather than bring firewood with you when you travel; gather it on site or purchase it locally. All staffed state parks and forests with campgrounds offer local firewood for sale. Many businesses also sell certified firewood that has been treated for pests and approved by the state. A handy tool is firewoodscout.org which allows you to find dealers by zip code. Both state parks and national forests have restrictions on the radius that firewood may be brought in. Many private campgrounds have similar or even more stringent restrictions.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Drivers passing by the Central Wisconsin Airport may see flames and a heavy presence of emergency vehicles, but airport officials say there is no need for alarm. Airport rescue personnel and local firefighters will conduct a live fire training exercise throughout the day Thursday. The annual exercise uses a simulated aircraft fuselage to replicate the unique challenges of an airplane fire response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires these drills which ensure responders are prepared to work together seamlessly in an emergency. These training exercises may be visible in the areas near the airport. The drills are not expected to impact airport operations. Regular flight schedules will continue to operate as usual. The drills will take place on the east end of the airport along Highway 153 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Before they receive their diplomas this weekend, the Tomahawk graduating class is giving back to the community. Throughout the day, the THS seniors are set to participate in their annual Community Service Day. The project has become a pre-graduation tradition that began with the Class of 2016. Over the past decade, the students have tackled a number of projects in the Tomahawk community such as outdoor maintenance at the Senior Center, city park clean-ups, volunteering at senior living facilities, and assisting with preparations with Memorial Day ceremonies. The students will are splitting up and will be assigned to work with various community groups and organizations that need a helping hand. The Senior Service Day has been described as a way for the students to give back and offer a thank you to the community's support during their learning years. It's also part of a busy week for those soon-to-be graduates. They've got their Senior Awards night this evening, then on Friday they'll cross the stage for the THS Commencement. We'll have our annual graduation preview coming up on Friday.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Lincoln County is named for Abraham Lincoln, and now the coin that bears his faces is being removed from county transactions. Like many businesses have already done, Lincoln County will no longer use physical pennies in cash transactions. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new cash-rounding policy in response to the nationwide elimination of the penny. Under the new policy, cash-only purchases made through Lincoln County departments will now be rounded down to the nearest nickel after taxes and fees are calculated. Non-cash payments will not change. County officials say the change follows guidance from Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Revenue. The resolution was described as self-explanatory; the vote was taken with minimal discussion. The policy takes effect immediately, and departments will post notices at cash payment locations explaining the new rounding procedure. The US Treasury minted its final penny on November 12 of last year.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News While the snow from a late-winter blizzard has long-since melted, Lincoln County is looking to recoup some of the clean-up cost. Lincoln County Emergency Management announced it has coordinated a countywide reimbursement request through the Wisconsin Disaster Fund following the March 14th through 16th storm. In the weeks that followed, the county worked with local municipalities, county departments, and state emergency management officials to collect and submit documentation for eligible storm-related expenses that created hazardous travel conditions, heavy snowfall, and operational challenges for communities across the county. . The reimbursement request totals $343,888.51 and has now been submitted to Wisconsin Emergency Management for review. Final reimbursement decisions will be made by the state through the Wisconsin Disaster Fund process. Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt says disaster recovery takes a "whole community approach," noting that coordination between local governments and state agencies helps communities recover financially while preparing for future emergencies. County officials say while emergency response often gets the spotlight during major storms, recovery efforts like reimbursement coordination are an important step in protecting taxpayers and strengthening long-term community resilience.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News As May marks High Blood Pressure Education Month, Aspirus Health is reminding people to know their numbers and be aware that small changes can make a big difference. Studies show millions of people are living with high blood pressure without realizing it because symptoms may not appear until serious health problems develop. According to Aspirus cardiologist Michael Zevitz, some people can feel completely normal even with dangerously high readings. Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and vascular disease. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, kidney disease, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess alcohol use. Beyond medications, changes in lifestyle can help lower those numbers; this includes: regular physical activity, reducing sodium intake, managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption. Shedding a few pounds can also help. Zevitz says, "You don't have to lose a lot of weight to make a big difference in lowering your blood pressure," he said. Aspirus encourages people to talk with their health care provider about regular blood pressure screenings.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Older adults in Merrill took steps toward staying steady on their feet Tuesday during the 2nd Annual "Improve Your Balance: Prevent Falls Resource Fair." The event, held at the Merrill Enrichment Center, brought together local health and community organizations in recognition of Older Americans Month and this year's theme, "Champion Your Health." Organizers say the fair helped raise awareness about the dangers of falls among older adults. According to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, more than one in four older adults fall each year, and Wisconsin has the highest death rate from older adult falls in the nation. Attendees completed fall-risk screenings and visited booths offering information on balance exercises, home safety, vision care, medications, assistive devices, and other resources designed to help aging adults remain safe and independent. Additional screenings for hearing, bone density, strength, and balance were also available. The event was organized through a partnership between the ADRC of Central Wisconsin, Aspirus Health, the Lincoln County Health Department, and the Merrill Enrichment Center. Those who missed out on yesterday's event can reach out to any of these organizations for information and resources.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News The state continues to roll out new road construction projects in the region, the latest announcement for highway 45 in Oneida County. Governor Evers signed and announced a contract to improve Highway 45 between Highway 8 and 32. Crews will resurface the highway connecting Monico and Three Lakes, along with the replacement of 22 culverts, guardrail improvements, and install center-line rumble strips. During construction, US 45 will remain open to traffic as a single lane with flagging operations during construction hours. Both directions of travel will be restored at the end of each day. Work is scheduled to begin following the Memorial Day holiday, Tuesday of next week. They're aiming to complete the project by October.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Northwoods law enforcement agencies are joining partners around the state in encouraging motorists to buckle up when hitting the road. This week marks the return of the annual Click-It or Ticket campaign an effort to increase the use of seatbelts. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "With an influx of travel expected for Memorial Day weekend, the Click It or Ticket campaign is a timely reminder to motorists that wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the road." Carnahan added, "Whether it's just a quick trip or you're traveling across the state, always make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up." Violators may be cited, but the goal of the campaign is to encourage a long-term change in driver and passenger behavior. In addition to increased enforcement during Click It or Ticket, the DoT will also increase public messaging including through traditional and social media as well as electronic road signs. The annual campaign coincides with Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off the summer travel season. As more vehicles are out on the roads during this holiday and throughout the summer, law enforcement officials are asking all drivers to buckle up, slow down, and remove any distractions behind the wheel. Aerial Enforcement Planned this Week: Speaking of State Patrol Safety campaigns: the agency also announced plans to conduct aerial enforcement around the state this week, watching for speeders and reckless drivers from above. That includes a local patrol heading into the weekend. An eye in the sky above Highway 51 in Oneida County on Friday. We'll have a bit more on these efforts later this week. Tuesday, May 19 · I-94 – Kenosha County Friday, May 22 · WIS 57 – Door County · US 51– Oneida County Sunday, May 24 · I-41 – Outagamie County

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Summer recreation season is right around the corner, and a new video highlights some of the opportunities right here in Lincoln County. In the latest installment of an ongoing partnership with Discover Wisconsin, host Lindsay Hayes takes visitors on tour of several hidden gems of Lincoln County. 'A Family Getaway in Lincoln County', begins in Camp New Wood County Park in Merrill, a scenic sixteen-acre spot right on the Wisconsin River. Thanks to recent county investments, the park now features upgraded electrical campsites, new restrooms, a kayak launch, and direct access to the Ice Age Trail. After a quick round of mini-golf and some food, Hayes heads to the Prairie River for a fly-fishing adventure with local angler Joe Krznarich. Krznarich was featured in a previous Discover Wisconsin short. Over the years, Lincoln County and Discover Wisconsin have teamed up to produce a number of video segments focused on the people, locations, events and activities of Lincoln County. A dog-sled production won a regional Emmy Award last fall. The latest video was released Friday on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in an ongoing investigation into a series of copper wire thefts. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, investigators are looking into thefts of copper wire from approximately ten Frontier roadside work sites in Lincoln County over the last few weeks. They noted that similar thefts have been reported outside of the county as well. Detectives are actively investigating the cases and are collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify the suspects. The Sheriff's Office asks the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities near roadside work sites to local law enforcement.

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