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Tomahawk Fire Department New Engine Build Complete; Nearing Service

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Nearly two years after the initial order was placed, the Tomahawk Fire Department's new fire engine has officially arrived. Last week, several department members traveled to Custom Fire in Osceola to pick up the apparatus, which will serve as Engine #3. The city approved the roughly $1.2 million purchase back in January 2025 with an estimated 20-to-24-month delivery timeline, putting the engine slightly ahead of schedule. The department's existing Engine #3 was aging, requiring frequent maintenance, and facing rising repair costs. Fire Chief Paul Winter provided an update on the acquisition during Tuesday's Health and Safety Committee meeting. He noted that the new rig will undergo a few final steps before entering full service. It is currently getting local detailing on its coating, and Custom Fire will perform additional touch-up work later this month. The manufacturer also plans to display the Fire Truck at the Fire Chiefs' Association Conference from October 14–17. Winter says that they received some added options on the truck at no cost for allowing the display. If everything remains on schedule, the engine will officially enter service shortly after the conference. The community will have a chance to check out the rig during the Tomahawk Fire Department's open house on Saturday, October 10. It's also fitting timing, as next week also marks National Fire Prevention Week. As for the old Engine #3, Winter stated that the department plans to list it for sale to help offset the purchase cost, noting that they have already received several inquiries.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned next week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From Monday through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane.Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.As always, these dates are weather and progress dependent. We'll offer another reminder early next week.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Dealing with loss can be challenging no matter your age. A program designed specifically for children is returning to the Northwoods this weekend. The Rhinelander School District and their Community Education program will host their 4th annual Camp George on Saturday. It's a one-day grief support camp designed for children who have experienced loss. According to organizers, Camp George offers a safe, compassionate space for children to process grief related to the loss of a loved one or family changes such as divorce. To help with coping and healing, the kids will engage in specially designed activities. The program is designed for children aged 6-14. And participation is not just limited to Rhinelander student, but youth from around the Northwoods that have experienced grief. It is free, but they do ask that people register ahead of time.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Wisconsinites throw away nearly 300 pounds of food per person every year, but this week is dedicated to bringing that number down. As part of the Food Waste Prevention Week campaign, state partners are highlighting how a few simple steps can protect the environment while saving money at the grocery store. According to a statewide study, wasted food is the largest single component of trash entering Wisconsin landfills, totaling more than 850,000 tons annually. That works out to roughly 294 pounds per resident. Beyond the environmental impact, food waste hits local wallets. The EPA estimates that wasted food costs the average American $728 each year. DNR officials say small daily habit changes can make a significant financial and ecological difference. It can be as simple as mapping out weekly meals and sticking to the grocery list. Date codes indicate peak quality rather than food safety, so check food before before discarding. And organize your refrigerator and store fresh food properly to extend the shelf life. The DNR has additional tips on their website.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A lotto player in Tomahawk will receive a six-figure payout, even though they didn't match a single number on their ticket. The Wisconsin Lottery's "All or Nothing" game is unique because, as the name implies, a grand prize winner can either match every drawn number or none of them. Players choose 11 numbers from a pool of 22, making the odds of matching 0 or 11 identical. In Tuesday's drawing, a winning ticket was sold at the Tomahawk Kwik Trip store. The ticket holder matched zero numbers to secure the $100,000 grand prize. In fact, according to the Wisconsin Lottery, six of the nine grand prize winners in the game this year have won by matching zero numbers. The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Patients in the Northwoods struggling with sleep apnea have a new treatment option locally. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor rest and low blood oxygen levels. Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic is now offering Inspire V, the latest generation of an implantable therapy designed for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can't tolerate traditional CPAP machines. Dr. Ryan Black says, "Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on a person's overall health, energy levels, and quality of life." Functioning similarly to a pacemaker, the small system works by delivering gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping breathing open and natural during sleep. Dr. Black called the updated technology a "continued evolution of sleep apnea treatment." With clinical studies showing a 90 percent satisfaction rate, clinic officials say it offers an effective path to better rest. Those interested can discuss the treatment with their provider to see if they qualify.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Unfortunately, there won't be any Northwoods entries in this year's "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" bracket. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce announced the top 16 finalists following a preliminary round of voting that narrowed down an initial field of 107 products. Among those original contenders was Crandon-based Hometown Manufacturing with its trackless trolley buses, a modern take designed to mimic classic 19th-century streetcars. The annual contest showcases a wide array of state manufacturing. The final field includes everything from chocolates and health supplies to privacy glass and heavy excavation equipment. Voting now shifts to a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament, continuing until the ultimate winner is crowned on October 27. To view the bracket and cast a vote, visit madeinwis.com. 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Top 16:#1 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel by Komatsu | Milwaukee #2 Comfort Unite Back Support by Permobil Inc | New Berlin #3 Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 by AriensCo | Brillion #4 CliC Smart Privacy Glass by Cardinal IG | Tomah #5 ORION Cellular Endpoint by Badger Meter | Racine #6 Meltaway Candy Bars by Seroogy's Chocolates | De Pere #7 4-Post FreeSpan Shelving by Spacesaver Corporation | Fort Atkinson #8 LU-Series Lightweight Electric Torque Pump by Enerpac Tool Group | Milwaukee #9 Giddings & Lewis Vertical Turning Centers by Fives Giddings & Lewis | Fond du Lac #10 Aspex Printed Wall Protection / GrooveLine by Inpro | Muskego #11 Barrel Collection by Muza Sheet Metal Co. | Oshkosh #12 Custom Pool Cues by Jacoby Custom Cues | Nekoosa #13 Scag Turf Tiger by Metalcraft of Mayville | Mayville #14 Carmex by Carma Laboratories, Inc. | Franklin #15 M157 Small Arms Fire Control by Vortex | Barneveld #16 Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant by RF Technologies | Brookfield

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Instead of candy bars or soft drinks, Oneida County's newest vending machine is stocked with valuable health supplies, free to those who need them. The Oneida County Health Department has launched its very first Public Health Vending Machine this week. Positioned right outside the Health Department and ADRC building on Keenan Street in Rhinelander; it's accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The machine is stocked with essential items like hygiene and dental kits, first aid supplies, laundry kits, and even tick removal packs. They've also stocked some critical safety gear like drug deactivation bags and gunlocks, which were donated by the Rhinelander Police Department and Iron Mountain VA. Local health officials say removing the price tag eliminates barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford basic care items, all while offering a private and convenient way to get help. Public health vending machines are catching on across Wisconsin, and community donations are helping keep this one stocked year-round.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As fall foliage peaks across Northern Wisconsin, more families are trading typical weekend getaways for a day on the farm. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed September and October as Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. Agritourism, where farms open their doors to the public for entertainment, education, and fresh local food is a growing industry, both statewide and locally. Common attractions at this time of year include: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farmstead pizza. With less than two percent of Americans working directly in agriculture, industry experts say these visits help bridge the gap—giving people a chance to learn where their food comes from while supporting local family farms. In turn, it gives hardworking farmers an opportunity to showcase their operations and supplement their income. To help travelers plan an autumn trip, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association recently launched a new online directory featuring interactive maps, digital discounts, and interactive games with prizes, such as "Fall on the Farm Bingo" and a "Fall Maze Challenge." To learn more or plan your visit, go to wiagritourism.com.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Fittingly, as National Preparedness Month wraps up, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee is moving forward with an updated Emergency Management ordinance. The proposal outlines critical response procedures and establishes a clear chain of command during a widespread disaster, while also cleaning up some of the language of the existing ordinance. While officials hope to never use it, having an updated plan ready is essential. Under the ordinance, the Mayor, as the city's highest elected official, serves as the Local Emergency Management Director. Police Chief Al Elvins noted during the meeting that during a disaster, both he and the fire chief are typically tied up managing their department's operational duties. The plan also sets specific guidelines for declaring a local state of emergency. After brief discussion, committee members voted unanimously to send the updated ordinance to the full City Council for approval.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News With winter a few months away, Boulder Junction is preparing for the upcoming season at Winter Park following a strong 2025–26 winter. The park recorded more than 20,000 visits during its eight-week season at The Glide, nearly doubling its inaugural figures. An analysis by the town's Economic Development Committee estimates that these visitors generated approximately $1.2 million in direct local spending. Winter Park's initial infrastructure relied on temporary solutions to operationalize the park quickly and evaluate usage patterns. With two successful seasons completed, the town now possesses a clear understanding of park functionality, necessary improvements, and high-impact long-term investments. To support future growth, the Town of Boulder Junction is launching a $110,000 improvement campaign to construct permanent facilities. Planned upgrades include heated winter pit toilets, pavilion improvements, new seating, and updated signage. Partnering with the Boulder Junction Community Foundation to raise the remaining funds, the town has committed $55,000 from room tax revenues to cover half the cost. To learn more or donate, visit boulderatplay.com or boulderjunctioncf.org.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As we close out Falls Prevention Month, local health experts are reminding us that protecting against a dangerous fall involves more than just clearing trip hazards around the house—it also means checking your medicine cabinet. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause hidden side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden drops in blood pressure that throw off your balance. Aspirus pharmacy resident Yinglai Chang notes that taking five or more medications significantly compounds that risk, especially when side effects overlap. Even everyday over-the-counter products like Benadryl, sleep aids, or multi-symptom cold remedies can affect your coordination and alertness without you realizing it. Before starting any new medication, be sure to read the active ingredients and warning labels. Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask your local pharmacist to review your current prescriptions for potential interactions—and never stop taking a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Monthly unemployment estimates in the Northwoods dropped in August, but were up compared to the same time last year. The Department of Workforce Development released its monthly unemployment estimates this past week. It was a mixed bag across the state: rates increased in 10 counties over the month, dropped in 36 counties, and remained unchanged in the remaining 26. Locally, month-over-month estimates show slight improvements. Lincoln County's rate fell from 3.9% in July to 3.8% in August. Oneida County dropped from 3.2% to 3.1%, while Vilas County saw a decrease from 3.6% to 3.5%. All three Northwoods counties along the Highway 51 corridor were up by about half a percentage point compared to August 2025.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A marketing strategy to put Lincoln County on the map is paying off in viewers, visitors, and tourism dollars. Over the past three years, the Lincoln County has partnered with Discover Mediaworks to showcase its local gems through television episodes, social media features, and short-form video content. Josh Osterman, Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at Discover Mediaworks, recently presented a glowing report on the initiative to the Lincoln County Board. Osterman highlighted how taking a "30,000-foot view" of the area has helped draw attention to lesser-known locations alongside long-standing staples, from off-road riding in the Harrison Hills and guided fishing excursions to local dining spots and scenic drives along Highway 107. Broadcast viewership across full episodes, themed specials, and promotional spots on the Discover Wisconsin network surpassed 10 million viewers. Meanwhile, short-form social clips pulled in another 2.5 million views. County leaders earned praise for keeping the area top-of-mind for Upper Midwest travelers, with out-of-state interest surging in major metro markets like Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities.Broadcast Viewership: 10,180,174Digital Impressions: 2,106,958Digital Views: 959,521Digital Engagements: 20,100Digital Reach: 2,180,275Podcast Listens: 16,936Podcast Views: 2,514,170Emails Contacted: 330,771Emmy: 1The ultimate goal was to boost the local economy, and state data shows it worked. Figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism show Lincoln County's total economic impact grew 11.6% over the three-year stretch, while direct visitor spending rose more than 12.5%, outpacing several neighboring counties and state tourism hubs. The report also teased upcoming feature topics like local hiking trails, waterfront dining, and adventures along the Wisconsin River.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Vehicle-versus-deer crashes are on the rise across Lincoln County, but over the weekend, a driver's attempt to avoid an animal led to a rollover wreck that left two people injured. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were paged to Highway 8 near Martin Road in the Town of Somo for a single-vehicle crash. The driver, an Olivia, Minnesota man, reported he was traveling eastbound when a deer ran onto the highway. He swerved to avoid hitting the animal, causing his vehicle to enter the south ditch and become airborne before coming to rest. Both the driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries. Deputies reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions on Lincoln County roadways last week, marking a noticeable uptick from recent weeks.

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