Tomahawk Leader

On July 9, 2026, our family lost a constant source of love and faith. Jean Loretta Van Strydonk passed away with family by her side at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander, WI. Jean was born on September 23, 1934, to Laurence and Cecelia (Zuiker) Schoone in Tomahawk, WI. On July 9, 1955, she married the love of her life, Ervin Van Strydonk and together they raised eight children on their farm in Harrison, WI. Jean was a woman of incredible faith whose greatest joy was her family.

By Justin Lund Tomahawk Middle School Cross Country Head Coach TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk area runners took to the track on Saturday for the inaugural Hatchet Mid-Summer Mile, battling hot temperatures and even hotter competition at Hatchet Field. The evening kicked off with youth events, where Curtis Raith won the kids’ 400m in 1:26, followed by Avalyn Schultz taking the girls’ race in 1:47. In the 800m, Evan Zorn claimed the top spot with a strong 3:07 performance.

RHINELANDER – The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods (LWVNOW) is inviting the public to attend a free watch party for the 7th Congressional District Candidate Forum. Watch parties will be held on Tuesday, July 21, in the Red Oak Building, Room 202, at Nicolet College in Rhinelander; and the Kalmar Senior Center in Eagle River.

By Tina L. Scott Editor MERRILL – The Edward A. Burns American Legion Post 46 hosted a Veterans Summer Picnic and Family Fair on Sunday, June 28, taking over organization of an annual event that has struggled with declining attendance in recent years.

WISCONSIN – Aspirus recently announced that trauma leaders are seeing a noticeable rise in serious e-bike-related injuries as warmer weather brings more riders outdoors. Unlike traditional pedal bicycles, e-bikes are heavier, travel at higher speeds, and require longer stopping distances, factors that contribute to more severe trauma when crashes occur, Aspirus said in a release.

January 4, 1942 — June 27, 2026 Weston George J. Clements, 84, was called to rest on June 27, 2026. George is survived by his wife, Carla; sons, Ja (Jennifer), Lee (Pam); daughters, Shirley (Don); Kayla and Marion. According to George's wishes, no services will be held. Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.

By Jalen Maki Tomahawk Leader Editor TOMAHAWK – This week, the construction of a new housing development in Tomahawk took a step closer to getting underway. During its meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, July 7, the City of Tomahawk Common Council approved a resolution allowing the City of Tomahawk Community Development Authority (CDA) to sell a parcel of land located off of Comfort Drive, near U.S. Hwy.

BRANTWOOD – The Knox Creek Heritage Center (KCHC) in Brantwood will host one of its annual fundraising events this month. KCHC, founded in 1995 in an effort to preserve the heritage of the pioneers that settled the Northwoods, holds four annual fundraisers each year, including the “Midsummer Cookout.” This year’s Midsummer Cookout will be held at KCHC, N4517 W. Knox Rd., Brantwood, on Saturday, July 25.

Posted Friday, July 10, 2026 8:18 am WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) is inviting Wisconsinites to submit proposed resolutions for the 2027 Spring Hearings. The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin’s natural resources. Each year, Wisconsin residents have an opportunity to submit ideas as resolutions to the WCC.

WISCONSIN – As  heat intensifies across the United States in the summertime, the American Heart Association (AHA) is warning that soaring temperatures don’t just make people uncomfortable – they can put serious strain on the heart and increase the risk of life-threatening complications.