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Local & Area News

58th Never Forgotten Honor Flight Features 101 Year Old WWII Vet

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is in Washington DC, today to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. Today's mission marks the 58th overall for the Wausau-based Never Forgotten Honor Flight. It features 98 veterans from across North Central Wisconsin, including 96 Vietnam-era veterans, one Korean War veteran, and one World War II veteran. That WWII Vet is Paul Donatell of Cumberland, Wisconsin; who is 101 years old. He is actually the second centenarian to fly with the organization this year. The roster also highlights strong local representation, including 10 veterans each from Lincoln and Oneida counties. This is the fourth and final flight planned for the year. Dating back to 2010, the hub has transported 5,482 local veterans to the nation's capital. The public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm. Organizers continue to encourage any area veteran who served in the U.S. military in any capacity prior to May 7, 1975, and has not yet participated, to submit an application.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Two influential figures in Merrill's history are being remembered following a pair of street sign dedications over the weekend. The City of Merrill Historic Preservation Committee unveiled two honorary street markers celebrating local leaders near the sites of their biggest contributions. On Saturday morning, community members gathered at Grand Avenue and North Genesee Street to honor Ralph "Fata" Voigt, Merrill's longest-serving mayor. After serving as a World War II Army lieutenant, Voigt returned home, established an insurance agency, and was elected mayor nine times, serving from 1960 to 1979. He also founded the "Merrill on the Move" initiative to champion local growth. Then on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Steve Hass and family members gathered at West Main and Thomas Streets to unveil a sign for early industrialist Ferdinand Ollhoff. Ollhoff built a major sawmill on North Thomas Street in 1910, providing steady jobs for early settlers in Merrill's Sixth Ward through the Great Depression. Known statewide for his absolute honesty, Ollhoff was recognized by the committee as a foundational builder of early Merrill.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Major changes are coming to a popular Northwoods golf course. Rondele Ranch announced the purchase of Pinewood Golf Club in Harshaw, along with renovation plans for the property. Prior to a 2021 sale, the Bromann family operated Pinewood for six decades. Now, Rondele Ranch is taking the reins to revitalize the course. Owner Bob Chadwell says the purchase is about investing in the region and bringing people together. He added, "We see tremendous potential at Pinewood, and we're excited to help revitalize the course and create a place the community can enjoy for years to come." Among the plans for next year is a brand-new clubhouse, capable of hosting up to 150 guests for weddings and banquets. They also plan to install golf simulators. On the course, plans include a new irrigation system, tee boxes, and cart paths. During work they will use the existing clubhouse and all 18 holes will be open. Day-to-day operations will remain in familiar hands, with General Manager and PGA Pro Kyle Christian and Superintendent Tyler Nehls staying on to lead the team.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News With November right around the corner, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is urging residents to make arrangements ahead of the winter heating disconnection moratorium. During the moratorium, which runs from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting residential customers who fall behind on their bills. While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the service during the winter months, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills and have their service restored by the end of the week. Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Most utilities will also work with their customers to provide payment plans.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs starting this morning. They hope to have the road re-opened by November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. ____ While one project another project begins...another comes to a close. Crews are putting down pavement markings and completing finishing items on Highway 107 between Wilderness Drive and County S. They hope to remove the detour and re-open the road by the end of the workday on Wednesday.____ Work is also wrapping up this week on Highway 51 in Minocqua. They hope to have work down between Front Street and the Lake Minocqua Bridge by Friday. ____ One DoT project is ongoing on Highway 17 between 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek in Lincoln County. They'll continue to work in the coming weeks, pause once winter sets in, then resume in the spring.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News It was a pleasant weekend to get a little yard work done. For City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage, It's time once again for the annual fall yard waste pick up. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the city picks up lawn waste placed at curbside. Pick up begins Monday. A few quick reminders from the city... Brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the street. Yard waste should be placed in plastic bags and set in the terrace area of the street. The bags should only include yard waste, other rubbish should be placed in your regular garbage pick up. As always, yard waste for city of Tomahawk residents, can also be dropped off at the city collection site on South Tomahawk Avenue.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News An increase in food insecurity has created a growing need for outreach programs. An impressive event in Minocqua this weekend will help replenish local food pantries and school backpack programs. The Lakeland-Area Lions Club is hosting "Food for Kidz," an annual meal-packaging event, this Saturday and is encouraging community members to lend a helping hand. During the event, volunteers measure bulk food contributions into individual meal-sized packages. The packaged meals are distributed to around two dozen area food pantries, shelters, and after-school backpack programs. The event is also part of a broader outreach initiative that sends packaged meals to areas in need. The local event typically packages around 250,000 meals in a single day—achieving this in just four short hours. That success is made possible by 500 to 600 volunteers working efficiently along assembly lines. Some volunteer slots are still available, and organizers note that while it is a busy day, it is a fun experience supporting a great cause. Organizers have set an ambitious goal of 300,000 meals this year, which would push their lifetime total past 3 million meals since the mission began. Online registration to volunteer, walk-ins can also help. The packing event will take place at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday morning with shifts at 9am and 11:30am.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News Following a well-received premiere last month in Tomahawk, a new feature-length documentary capturing local history is getting a financial boost through regional tourism funds. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce has awarded a 5,000-dollar room tax grant to support Tomahawk: City in the Pines. Produced by Tomahawk native Clay Schmit alongside filmmaker John Newcombe, the project uses historical photographs, archival research, and contemporary footage to bring local heritage to life in the 90 minute film. The film debuted in September to strong local reviews. Chamber officials say the grant program supports initiatives that showcase the area's culture and drive local tourism. Executive Director Charis Lau noted that the documentary helps residents reconnect with their roots while offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the community. Looking ahead, Chamber officials say they are exploring additional collaborative film projects to keep sharing Tomahawk's story. For those that missed the screening of Tomahawk City in the Pines; the film is now available to stream online through Kinema.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News As waterfront property owners pull their docks, lifts, and boats for the season, local conservation officials are encouraging residents to check all equipment for aquatic invasive species (AIS). Fall equipment removal provides an ideal opportunity for inspection and thorough cleaning. Taking time to inspect gear helps keep local waterways free from invaders like zebra and quagga mussels, which easily attach to solid structures left underwater over the summer. Others like Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas can be spread in weeds and mud. Officials note that pressure washers are an excellent tool for cleaning gear, especially if docks, lifts, or watercraft will be moved to a different body of water. Fall removal is also a prime opportunity to thoroughly drain, wipe down, and dry boats and trailers before placing them into winter storage, preventing invasive hitchhikers from surviving the winter and spreading next spring Property owners are urged to stay vigilant for any new AIS discoveries. If you spot something unusual, snap a clear photo, collect a sample if possible, and share the information with your local AIS coordinator or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News Law enforcement agencies and local health departments across Northern Wisconsin are gearing up for statewide Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. Special drop-off sites will be set up statewide throughout the day. These collection events serve multiple crucial purposes: they keep unused medications out of landfills and municipal water systems while preventing dangerous pharmaceuticals from falling into the wrong hands. "If somebody has a cabinet full of medications that they're saving 'just in case,' I would tell them it's time to go through it and get rid of them," said Aspirus Pharmacist Allison Waraska. "It's very important to take a few minutes to look through your medications, identify what you no longer need or what is expired, and bring those back on Drug Take Back Day." Residents in Lincoln County are fortunate to have several permanent drop-off locations year-round, including drop boxes at both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments. While these boxes are always available, statewide collection days serve as a helpful reminder to clean out home medicine cabinets. During his report at the most recent Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Al Elvins highlighted the community's continued active use of the local collection program. For those looking to find a prescription drug disposal location, the state health department offers an interactive online map that allows users to search for both temporary event sites and permanent drop-off boxes.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News A buck at a Northwoods deer farm has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the positive result came from a 3-year-old white-tailed buck tested at a deer breeding farm in Taylor County. State officials did not identify the farm further in the release. Due to the positive test result, the property has been placed under quarantine while state veterinarians and staff conduct an epidemiological investigation. This was one of two positive CWD cases announced yesterday by state officials. The other involved a wild buck in Marinette County that was euthanized after showing visible signs of illness. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Transmission occurs through direct contact between animals or exposure to contaminated environments.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a renewed phone scam involving fake law enforcement callers. Deputies say scammers are calling residents claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office—even using real staff names like Lt. Gladden—to demand money or personal information for "urgent legal matters." Officials remind the public that caller ID numbers can easily be faked, and legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate phone payments for warrants or jury duty. If you receive one of these high-pressure calls, simply hang up. To confirm whether a call is real, dial the Marathon County Sheriff's Office directly. Anyone who has lost money to a scam should contact non-emergency dispatch right away.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Efforts are underway to shape the future of Lincoln County's outdoor recreation industry and boost the local economy. Following a public session last night in Tomahawk, community stakeholders are meeting today at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill to analyze local recreation infrastructure and identify opportunities for economic growth. The workshops come after Lincoln County was selected to participate in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation's Technical Assistance Program, in partnership with UW-Stout's Center for Sustainable Communities. The initiative brings together local, state, and federal partners to assess trail and water access, wayfinding, and business support across the county. Local officials say input from residents, business owners, and outdoor groups-including trail users, anglers, and tourism operators- is a critical piece of the planning process. According to Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, feedback gathered during these sessions will help pinpoint specific challenges and guide future public planning, capital investment, and regional partnerships. Today's session in Merrill continues through 3:30 this afternoon, with organizers planning to use the findings to build a long-term recreation strategy for the county.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News Lincoln County and City of Merrill leaders are moving closer to finalizing a major update to local emergency medical services. After negotiations throughout the summer, a final contract agreement has reached the voting stage. At its meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement via voice vote following board discussion. In a joint news release, County Board Chair Don Friske and Merrill Mayor Steve Hass provided a brief overview of the deal. While EMS is legally a municipal responsibility under Wisconsin law, Lincoln County has coordinated services regionally since 1969, partnering with Merrill Fire and EMS in the south and Aspirus Health in Tomahawk to the north. Officials say the updated agreement modernizes a contract that hasn't been overhauled since 2007. Funding will jump from 1.3 million dollars this year to 1.6 million dollars next year, with a two-percent annual adjustment moving forward. Under the proposed terms, the county will supply the ambulances and communication equipment, while the city will be responsible for staffing and medical supplies. The deal grants the city operational flexibility to address rising call volumes, while offering the county long-term cost certainty. Following discussion at Tuesday's meeting, Board Chair Don Friske reflected on the negotiation process, stating: "We didn't always agree, but we were able to come up with an agreement that continues to provide a high quality of emergency medical service response while honoring the city's ability to provide oversight of their organization." The City of Merrill Committee of the Whole is expected to take up the contract at its meeting this coming Tuesday.

Published on 10/22/2026 under News A colorful new addition is taking shape in the heart of downtown Rhinelander. Muralist Alixandra Jade is currently at work on a new public art piece titled "Greetings from Rhinelander," painted on the side of the Flanders Realty building at 2 North Brown Street. Designed in the retro-style of a classic destination postcard, the large-scale mural features vibrant colors and artwork celebrating Northwoods scenery, the city's identity, and Rhinelander's iconic Hodag. Commissioned by the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce and funded through the Rhinelander Tourism and Marketing Committee, local officials say the project aims to revitalize the downtown core while creating a landmark for residents and visitors to enjoy and photograph. Jade has been working over the past few weeks transforming the brick background into a creative canvas, and community members are invited to head downtown to watch the transformation unfold in real time, or simply follow along on the Chamber Facebook for regular progress updates.

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