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Lincoln County Community Baby Shower Returns to Tomahawk April 24

Published on 03/27/2025 under News For first-time parents, bringing a little one in the world can be a learning experience. Here in Lincoln County, a twice-annual event provides information and resources for new and expecting families. The Lincoln County Health Department has taken lead on organizing Community Baby Showers, alternating between Tomahawk and Merrill. They recently announced plans for the next one. It will take place on Thursday, April 24th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center. Lexi Buntrock, Public Health Educator for the Lincoln County Health Department says, "It is a one-stop-shop that connects expecting families, and those with young children, with the education and resources." Parents can pick and choose the topics they wish to learn more about, just a few of the many examples include nutrition, literacy, and childcare. Buntrock says they'll have many returning booths, and some new ones. At past editions, they've asked attendees to fill out a survey about their experience. Buntrock says the response has been unanimous in saying it has been worth their time. The Community Baby Shower is free to attend, and people may even get some giveaways. We'll of course offer a reminder as that date approaches.

Published on 03/27/2025 under News The Easter bunny won't arrive for a few more weeks, but Tomahawk Main Street is already getting into the spirit. The district recently kicked off their fourth annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt and are inviting families to get involved. We recently heard from Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz. The goal has been to host a fun, family-friendly activity and get people engaged in the downtown area. It also serves as a way for families to get out of the house after winter; a spring event opposite Main Street's Fall Fest. For this year's Scavenger Hunt, Turkiewicz says they've partnered with 23 locations within the downtown district. Each participating business, shop, or restaurant has a hidden Easter egg. Kids can track down the egg, show the staff and get a stamp on their map. There are several prize opportunities. Completing ten stops gets a 'goodie bag.' Seventeen earns an entry into an Easter Basket raffle, with Turkiewicz noting that "businesses have been very generous with prizes." The Scavenger Hunt kicked off this past weekend and Turkiewicz says they have already had a great turnout. A number of kids have already completed and returned their cards. But families still have some time to get started; the deadline is April 19. Information is available at participating businesses, or the Main Street Office and their Socials. Participating Locations:American Legion Auntie Em's Resale and Consignment Century 21 Best Way Realty Corner Pub Crossbridge Community Bank H&R Block HMM Boutique Honeycomb L.O.F.T. L&S Truck Parts Main Attractions Hair Salon Nacho's Mexican Grill Rita's Scarlet Garden Sideways Wine & Craft Beer Strikers - Tomahawk Bowl The Knot Haus Gift Gallery The Old Towne Mall Tomahawk Furniture Tomahawk Pharmacy Tomahawk's Touch of Gold Up North Nutrition Walkers' General Store West Side Market 2 What's Brewin'

Published on 03/27/2025 under News It won't be long before the sound of frogs fill the quiet Northwoods nights. The DNR is looking for citizen scientists to help in one of the longest running research projects of its kind. The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey was formally launched in 1984, and volunteers have played a crucial role in helping DNR conservation biologists better define populations, distribution and status of all 12 frog and toad species that call Wisconsin home. Research biologist Andrew Badje coordinates the survey. He says, "Our volunteers, lovingly known as 'froggers,' are important advocates for frogs and toads in Wisconsin." Since the survey began, volunteers have collectively spent more than 10,500 nights surveying 103,400 sites across the state. In addition to contributing to the research, 'froggers' often become advocates. That includes introducing children and grandchildren to these nighttime, frog-calling excursions and leading educational presentations at local libraries and nature centers. Badje saying, "They are the beating heart of frog monitoring and conservation in Wisconsin. There are actually several different areas of focus, including one specific to Northern Wisconsin, the mink frog. For those that would like to get involved, the DNR has more information. We'll include a link with more information.

Published on 03/27/2025 under News Shovels hit dirt on the Rib Lake school campus, kicking off an exciting new renovation project. The district held a ceremonial ground breaking on Wednesday. Thanks to a referendum approved by voters last April, the Rib Lake School district will be undergoing some major upgrades to their middle and high schools. That includes connecting the buildings which do share some classrooms. Currently some students have to walk outside between the two buildings which isn't always convenient during a Wisconsin winter. They also hope to address maintenance issues and security concerns. One of the main highlights is a new, larger gymnasium that will be better for community events and extra-curriculars including hosting post-season sporting events. That will allow improvements to the cafeteria/kitchen and music spaces. They're also modernizing their technical education spaces. They hope to minimize disruptions when possible, with a goal to wrap up work by the start of the 26-27 school year.

Published on 03/27/2025 under News Statistics show that nearly 7 million individuals are living with Alzheimer's and an estimated 16 million serve as unpaid caregivers for those individuals. The Alzheimer's Association provides a valuable resource, and they're recruiting volunteers to join the cause. They'll be hosting an open house at the Rhinelander Brewing Company this evening where they'll go over the many ways to get involved. That can organizing or assisting with a Walk to End Alzheimer's event or serving as a Volunteer Community Representative or Educator to help others. They said in the invite, "No matter your skill set or time availability there are opportunities for you to use your talents in the fight to ENDALZ!" That gets underway at 5pm

Published on 03/26/2025 under News The Tomahawk Police Department stepped up to continue the DARE program at Tomahawk Elementary. For decades, the nationwide DARE program has taught students about the risks of drugs. In past years, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office had provided that instruction, but that recently ended due to staffing. Looking to see the program continue, the Tomahawk Police Department enlisted one of their own, Sgt. Matt Gorell, who has taken over the instruction this year. He provided a brief update at Tuesday's Health and Safety Committee meeting, calling it a 'wonderful opportunity' to be in the classroom with the students. In addition to the traditional instruction, he explained he also talks about safe decision-making and bullying, all while establishing a positive interaction between law enforcement and young students. Because this was a late decision, classroom materials were not included in the annual police budget, but the department has been working with local businesses and seeking grant opportunities to offset the cost. The instruction continues through the spring, culminating with the traditional graduation ceremony the first week of May.

Published on 03/26/2025 under News Last week, human remains were discovered during a fire response in Lincoln County. We now know the name of that individual. That fire occurred last Thursday morning at a home in the Town of Bradley. Firefighters located the remains while battling the blaze. According to an update provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the remains have been identified as 36 year old Sanskrita DellErba. The Sheriff's Office says she lived at the home. An autopsy has been completed, but results are awaiting pending toxicology. According to the release, both the cause of fire and the manner of death remain under investigation.

Published on 03/26/2025 under News It was a fairly routine night of City of Tomahawk meetings, starting with a special meeting of the Tomahawk City Council. The lone agenda item was a rezone request for a Steve Daigle owned property on Southgate Drive. The parcel had multiple zoning classifications the goal was to clean up the zoning to Manufacturing 1. After some discussion, including with the neighboring property owner, the Council unanimously approved the request. The Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee continues their beginning-of-year efforts to approve special event applications on city properties. Three more were approved at their meeting Tuesday. The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will be back in town again July 5th. It'll be at SARA Park. Two additional Main Street events also return. Their Customer Appreciation Day is on August 16, and Oktoberfest on October 11. The fall celebration will move over a block to North 3rd Street, where the weekly Farmer's Market takes place. TMS also requested the use of a larger 'MASH' tent during Fall Ride weekend, allowing them to offer more services. Each of the applications was recommended with no additional changes or discussion. They'll be sent to the April City Council meeting for final approval. Finance Committee had their regular reports and monthly action items. The final meeting of the night was Public Works. The Board briefly introduced discussions on parking along Somo Avenue. No proposals were made, nor action taken. The Board heard a brief presentation on a proposed water main project off of CC (Nelson/Division), and the steps for a grant application. In staff reports, Nick Rosenmeier, Street Lead, noted they have been alternating between their spring clean-up and snow removal from the late season storms. He's also been in discussion with the Lincoln County Highway Department on previous work done on Somo Avenue. And waste water is preparing for the summer transition as well, while also transitioning to their new lead, Rich Theimer. He noted he got off to a challenging start, highlighting one chaotic day in particular when he joked that it seemed everyone decided to flush their underwear on the same day. The overly detailed report brought a round of laughter to the room on what was the last item on the agenda for the night.

Published on 03/26/2025 under News While tens of thousands of motorcycles will arrive in Tomahawk for the Fall Ride in September, one lucky person will leave town that weekend with a brand new bike. WaWui announced the return of their annual motorcycle raffle. They also provided a few of the details, though they are keeping the make and model of the brand new Harley-Davidson under wraps for a few more days. This is the third year for the raffle, which serves as a fundraiser for WaWui. The non-profit maintains and operates the SARA Park Arena and Banquet Hall. Fittingly, that is where they'll official unveil the motorcycle, and begin ticket sales. That'll take place a week from Friday April 4, coinciding with the opening of the spring adult hockey tournament. They said just 3,500 tickets will be sold, $20 a piece. As for the drawing, that will take place on September 13.

Published on 03/26/2025 under News For better or for worse, we are spending more time connected and online. While the internet can be a useful tool, it can also be a dangerous place to navigate. One local low enforcement agency will be discussing some steps to stay protected. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office announced plans to offer a presentation on internet crimes against children. According to the news release, they plan to cover internet safety, the role of law enforcement and what people can do to help prevent themselves or others from becoming victims. They estimate the initial presentation will be a about an hour, and will be followed by a question and answer session. The event will take place on this evening at the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center starting at 5pm. The Pizza Ranch will provide food.

Published on 03/26/2025 under News Tuesday was World Diabetes Day, and local health officials used the opportunity to encourage people to learn potential risk factors. According to the CDC, more than 135 million people in the U.S. have diabetes or prediabetes. Of those adults, they estimate that one in five did not even know they had the condition. Aspirus nurse practitioner Alisha Natzke says its important to know the difference between the two. She says, "Think of prediabetes as a warning sign; you don't have diabetes yet but without making lifestyle changes people can progress into Type 2 diabetes." Lifestyle changes include a gradual increase in physical activity while also changing the diet. She recommends focusing on controlling portion sizes of carbs like bread, grain, starches, fruit and milk, while balancing them with vegetables, lean proteins, and heart healthy fats. While life style changes help, there are other uncontrollable risk factors such as ethnicity and family history. Those interested in making a life style change can discuss with their health care provider.

Published on 03/25/2025 under News A teen charged in connection with the lead-up to a fatal attack at Lincoln Hills last summer is working on a plea agreement. According to court records, a plea hearing has been scheduled for next month for Rian Nyblom. The eighteen year old was allegedly asked by another juvenile inmate, Javarius Hurd, to provide soap that would be used in a planned attack on a female staff member at the youth correctional facility located in Lincoln County. Counselor Corey Proulx intervened in the initial altercation and sustained fatal injuries. Due to his alleged role in the lead up to the incident, Nyblom was also charged with two felonies: murder by battery as party to a crime and battery by a prisoner as party to a crime. According to the court calendar, that plea hearing is scheduled for April 24.

Published on 03/25/2025 under News Lincoln County will utilize a new grant to begin an evaluation of public culvert crossings. Lincoln County has more than 550 culvert crossings. The Land Services Department announced they've been awarded a DNR surface water grant to begin a review. The first of three planned phases will assess the 244 culvert crossings in the towns of Birch, Harrison, King, Merrill, Pine River, Russell, Schley, and Skanawan. This data will help the Land Services Department staff identify culverts in most need of replacement, prioritizing crossings on factors such as stream constriction, erosion, fish passability, and the condition of the culverts. They note that culvert failures can lead to severe environmental consequences, including sedimentation, nutrient introduction, and the destruction of in-stream habitats. This project aims to provide municipalities with data and technical support to help reduce the risk of recurring failures and environmental degradation. As part of the project, the Land Services Department will provide municipalities with valuable information on building more resilient and environmentally friendly stream crossings. A final report detailing the project's goals, methods, and results will be published, and a workshop will be held to share these findings with participants.

Published on 03/25/2025 under News If you're confused by the current weather outside, you're not alone. Many migratory birds have returned to the Northwoods, only to see fresh new snow on the ground. The folks over at the Raptor Education Group brought back a few tips to help our feathered friends find some food in during this wintery stretch. They note that while many birds will eat a standard seed blend from our feeders, others species like robins are more reliant on worms and insects that aren't readily accessible with the snow covered ground. These birds aren't able to crack open seeds. Instead, REGI offered up a few alternative food options: meal worms (live or dried); chopped apples, frozen or fresh fruit, raisins, sunflower chips or hearts, and suet bites or nuggets. They recommend scattering them in your lawn area or under a tree. Platform feeders, a foot or so off the ground, will also work.

Published on 03/25/2025 under News A driver suspected of causing multiple crashes in the Northwoods Friday could face several charges. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, responders were paged to Highway 8 near County A in the Town of Bradley on Friday for a two vehicle crash involving injuries. The preliminary investigation showed a westbound vehicle had crossed over the centerline and struck an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the westbound vehicle, a 53 year old Wittenberg man, was injured and trapped in his vehicle. According to the report, the deputy noted signs of impairment with that driver, but was unable to conduct a field sobriety test due to his injuries. During the investigation, the deputy also learned that vehicle had been involved and left the scene of a rear-ending crash on Highway 8 near Highway 51. According to the report, the man remained in the care of the hospital. Multiple charges are being considered including OWI causing injury, recklessly endangering safety and hit and run. A few other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report... Snow and slippery roads to start the week kept Lincoln County deputies busy. Much of Lincoln County received around a half foot of snow Sunday and Monday, causing a difficult morning commute. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies responded to 15 vehicle slide-offs attributed to poor road conditions. No other information on injuries or damage was reported in the update. And the number of vehicle versus deer collisions this past week was low with just 3 being reported this past week.

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