(Photo Story) When Gene Winter was an infant, his uncle, Franklin Winter, adopted him when Gene's own father died. From that point on, Gene was immersed in boat building, as the elder Winter was the founder/co-owner of Tomahawk Boat Company from the mid-1940s into the 1960s. Winter has a passion for restoring old boats and particularly loves working on Tomahawk and Rhinelander classic boats. He currently is working on a 1946 Tomahawk Scout cedar strip boat that he obtained in the Swamp Lake area. Winter also is working on a Tomahawk Red Wing, the first one produced at the Tomahawk boat factory. Since 1997 he has restored 14 boats and is working on a half dozen more. He estimates that it takes almost 500 hours to complete a boat project, which means that he averages about two boat restorations per year. He also has about 30 restored outboard motors and another 30 that need attention. Winter's plan for his restored boats and motors is to display them in a proposed museum to be built west of the SARA Park boat launch. Read more about this hobby of love in the July/AugustNorthCountry Style entertainment section on newsstands now and in the pdf below.

**(July 27, 2010 issue) Over the course of the next nine weeks crews will be working to move utilities off the North Fourth Street Bridge to a new conduit system being installed at the bottom of the Wisconsin River. A-1 Excavating has been hired as the prime contractor and McMullen & Pitz Construction will oversee the dredging portion of the project. The estimated cost of the dredging and utility replacement is expected to be around $1.5 million. Work to replace utilities started July 26 at Veterans Memorial Park. The dredging-only portion of the project is anticipated to take three weeks, during which time boat traffic is not expected to be impacted other than a few temporary river closures that may need to take place over the phase of the project. The Kwahamot Ski Club is not holding shows July 27 or 29. Other than water mains having to be closed off for short portions of times, no utilities owned by the city or private companies are expected to be shut down during the construction phase. Both Veterans Memorial Park and Kwahamot Park will be impacted as the dredging and the utility projects take place. Residents along Deer Park Road were notified of the project that will include a 10-by-12-foot lift station being installed on the north side of the river. Barring any emergencies or other pressing needs, North Fourth Street is expected to remain open through the course of the dredging project. It is expected traffic flow will be reduced to one lane at times during the course of the project.

**The utility project will lead into the replacement of the North Fourth Street Bridge, which will be closed to through traffic starting Oct. 1. Demolition of the entire bridge is slated to take place Oct. 4. Work will continue on the bridge leading into next summer, and pending any significant setbacks, plans call for work to be complete before July 4, 2011.

**Residents can stay informed with updates provided on the city's webpage, www.tomahwkwi.govoffice3.com. Tomahawk Main Street Inc. has also compiled a list of 750 residents who will be receiving email updates as the project progresses. To be added to the email list, call 715-453-1090. Updates will also be made available through the Tomahawk Chamber and the Tomahawk Leader as well as other media outlets. Construction updates will be posted here regularly.

You can get the complete Tomahawk Leader with an online subscription; no need to wait for mail delivery, it's there each Tuesday morning and available 24-7 at your convenience. (Click on this direct Online Edition link for information.) Online readers have access to complete news, sports and feature stories; popular columns such as those by publishers Larry and Kathy Tobin, Mark Gaedtke and Allan Bell; the Savvy Senior article; delicious recipes; full obituaries and vital statistics including births, along with engagements and weddings; health items and tips; business announcements and legal notices; Lincoln County Sheriff's Department and Tomahawk Police Department reports; court news; Nature Notes; opinion pieces; school news; and advertising that has not been available to those who simply view this condensed Internet Edition. Plus you have access to all our special sections: NorthCountry Style, Wedding Guide, Senior Living, Graduation, Spring Into Summer, Forestry and Wood Products, and many more. The Online Edition is being made available through a special service purchased by the Leader. The annual subscription rate is similar to local rates, which means a substantial savings to out-of-area and out-of-state residents. That results in the convenience of immediate access for distant subscribers who will no longer have to rely on mail delivery. The searchable service also includes access to archived editions and direct links to web sites and email references.

***Please continue to visit this web page for its condensed news summaries, active Message Board, extensive Photo Album with many unpublished pictures and Community Calendar and School Calendar, Fishing Report and Snowmobile Report, and other offerings. We have new features planned here, too, so check back often.

The public will have an opportunity to weigh-in on a proposal made by a Washington-based mining company to extract a large sulfide deposit located in the town of Lynne during a public informational meeting Saturday, July 24. The Oneida County Mining Oversight and Local Impact Committee scheduled the meeting as part of its ongoing effort to gather information on the request, which the publicly traded international mining company Tamerlane Ventures proposed earlier this year. The request includes allowing the company to proceed with mineral exploration before mining would occur at the deposit located on county-owned forestland north of Tripoli and south of Willow Lake. The deposit is estimated to contain 5.6 million to 8 million tons of zinc and lead ore, including traces of gold and silver. Saturday's public informational mining meeting takes place at the Willow Region Fire Department, Willow Road, in the town of Lynne, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Read more in this week's newspaper, available on newsstands and for subscription in an Online Edition.

You won't want to miss our "Raising Cancer Awareness 2010" section in the July 20 Tomahawk Leader. It includes information about the July 23-24 Tomahawk Relay for Life event, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Tomahawk High School track and ending the next morning. Highlights include a survivors' lap, butterfly release and an emotional 10 p.m. luminaria ceremony. The section also has a feature on Drew Myers, now age 4, and his battle with brain cancer. There's another story on St. Baldrick's fundraiser for childhood cancer in Merrill; palliative care, Relay for Life chairperson Margie Albert's cancer story; canine cancer and how some breeds are more prone to the disease; cancer centers; and so much more. A pdf of the section will be posted soon below.

Looking for things to do? Check our Community Calendar for an in-depth listing of area events. And, do some extra site-seeing with our online Town Square business directory to find places to stay, dine and shop. We also feature a 15-day forecast on our Weather link; front page Map; snowmobile Trail Report; and online Fishing Report, plus our School Calendars include student activities, sporting events and information about ACT testing and college visitation dates.

Our Internet Edition is just a summary of a few of the stories you'll find in our newspaper. We'd love to have you as a regular subscriber. For rates and other information, please see the related Subscription Information.

**Joe Story of Tomahawk's Bronsted-Searl American Legion Post 93 was elected to the position of American Legion Department of Wisconsin State vice commander at the American Legion convention held in Wausau July 17.

Obituaries in the July 27, 2010, Tomahawk Leader include:

**Lauretta M. Kernin (Poeske), 91, Tomahawk, born in Wausau, married Mahlon "Stubby" Kernin, formerly employed with U.S. Industries and Hanke's Supermarket (7-23-10).

**Arden Menge, 72, Waupaca, born in Tigerton, married Sandra Van Eyck, who preceded him in death, married Sioux Seckinger, moved to Tomahawk in 1973, she also preceded him in death, started salvage yard and auto repair business in tomahawk, married Judith Ranta, retired and moved to Waupaca (7-21-10; Christian funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 28 at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Weyauwega, visitation begins at 9 a.m.; donations to the church debt retirement, Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home assisting).

**Frederick L. Bushar, 76, Tomahawk, born in Tomahawk, married Midge Bloomfield, lived most of life in Milwaukee, Tomahawk resident last 12 years, U.S. Marine veteran (7-19-10).

**Edward A. Perkins, 83, Tomahawk, born in Tomahawk, married Rose Mary Gill, formerly employed at Owens-Illinois mill in Tomahawk (7-19-10; memorial service at later date, Krueger Family Funeral Home assisting).

**Lawrence E. "Larry" Magnant, 84, Tomahawk, born in Rhinelander, married Ellie Zembrycki, formerly worked for Wisconsin Public Service in Rhinelander, later for Neifert-White Hardware, Lumber & Cement in Townsend, Mont., and owned Showboat Motel, Casper, Wyo., moved to Tomahawk six years ago, veteran of U.S. Navy serving in World War II (7-20-10).

**Marcia R. Rankin (Kaufman), 77, town of Rock Falls, born in Tripoli, married Graham H. Rankin, taught elementary school, mostly with Merrill Area Public School System (7-22-10).

**Elna F. Erickson, 81, Rhinelander, born in Harrison, 1946 graduate of Rhinelander High School, married Alfred Rolain, employed at South 17 Supper Club for many years (7-22-10; memorial established in her name; Hildebrand-Ross Funeral Home, Rhinelander, assisted).

**Lillian E. Hansen (Remmers), 76, Waterford, born in Tomahawk, graduated from Tomahawk High School, obtained R.N. degree, married Harold J. Hansen, registered nurse for 20 years at Milwaukee County Medical Complex where she was on kidney transplant team, assisted on first kidney transplant in Wisconsin (7-20-10; Mass of Christian Burial 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, St. Clare Catholic Church, Wind Lake, memorial gathering with family and friends prior from 4-7 p.m. at church, memorials to Brolen Park activities, 2191 Church St., East Troy, WI 53120 or American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd. Ste. 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, Mealy Funeral Home, Waterford, assisting.)

**Arriving after publication:

**Donald Pierson, 89, Ogema, born in Spirit, married Lorraine Levra, engineer with Young Radiator in Racine for over 30 years, retiring in 1987, moved back to Ogema in 1993, U.S. Navy veteran during World War II (7-27-10; Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Friday, July 30 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Tomahawk, visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, assisting.)

**Albert J. William, 86, Tomahawk, born in Graceville, Minn., married Leona Scheuermann, was a chief petty officer in U.S. Navy, retiring in 1962, worked for Harley-Davidson in Tomahawk until retiring in 1981 (7-26-10; funeral 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2 at Krueger Family Funeral Home, visitation Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. and again Monday beginning at 10 a.m.)

(Complete obituaries are published in the Tomahawk Leader and are posted in the Online Edition available by subscription. Our sponsored Church Directory has been provided here as a pdf for informational and reference purposes.)

Harley-Davidson, Inc. and the unions representing its Wisconsin production employees began negotiations last week on new labor agreements that would take effect upon the expiration of the current contracts in April 2012. The company has announced it is seeking to close large cost gaps in its Milwaukee-area and Tomahawk production operations and improve flexibility to meet seasonal and other customer-driven production needs. If Harley-Davidson is unable to achieve those objectives through agreement with the unions by mid-September 2010, the company has said it will move Wisconsin production operations to another United States location. There are two Harley-Davidson plants located in Tomahawk. Watch for future updates.

The Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Tomahawk plant will undergo two temporary layoffs starting next month that are expected to impact as many as 60 employees. A result of worsening market conditions in the housing market, plant officials said the separate two-week layoffs are taking place during the weeks of Aug. 2, Aug. 9 and Sept. 6 and Sept. 30. The plant expects to retain around 50 employees over the layoff period to complete capital improvement projects.

**The American Legion Cubs concluded their regular season Sunday at Nekoosa with a third-place finish at the baseball regionals. On Saturday, the Cubs lost 3-6 to Nekoosa despite a two hit performance at the plate by pitcher Jacob Jarvensivu. Later, the Cubs tamed Mosinee 5-1. Sam Arnott threw a five-hitter, while Jarvensivu again led the squad at the dish with two hits. In Sunday's semifinals tilt, the Cubs lost 4-11 to Black River Falls. Arnott led the Cubs with three hits and two runs scored.

**The Tomahawk Titans baseballers lost 4-0 to host D.C. Everest Friday. Pitcher Cody Brietzke struck out a dozen, walked seven and gave up four runs on five hits. Nate Nelmark and Brietzke had two hits apiece. At Antigo Sunday, Jeff Kinnally manned the mound for an 8-2 victory. He fanned 10 and gave up just five hits. The Titans' batters pounded out 17 hits, including three apiece by Dave Cherney, Ross Arndt and Neil Gebauer.

**In MINER Youth Traveling Golf League action last week, Tomahawk's Troy Salewske was the 18-hole medalist at Timber Ridge and Inshalla Country Club. At Inshalla Friday, Salewske established a MINER league best-ever score of 70.

**Racing results (top five finishers) from Tomahawk Speedway Friday were-Midwest Modifieds: (20-lap feature) Jeff McDonald, Bruce Belland, Mickey Nosser, Jim Barttelt, Sr. and Travis Friske; Pure Stocks: (15-lap feature) Randy Conner, Bill Follstad, C.J. Hedges, Jr., Wayne Eskola and Steve Karshbaum; Street Stocks: (20-lap feature) John Kallas, Zach Manley, Doug Wojcik, Ron Hanestad and Keith Troutman; Tomahawk Bandits: (15-lap feature) Bill Anderson, Kasey Gross, Adam Johnson, Jeff Jaeger and Mike Warga.

The Lincoln County Administrative and Legislative Committee had recommended current Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Randy Scholz for the administrative coordinator position, which Pine Crest Nursing Home Administrator Tim Meehean has held on an interim basis. The County Board, however, voted 10-12 to hold over making a decision until next month. Supervisor Ron Mittelsteadt asked for a job description and why additional candidates were not brought in and considered for the job, and after not getting a response, he called the committee that made the recommendation "out of order." A recommendation to the Health Board also is expected next month after a proposal to reinstate Supervisor Bill Zeitz was voted down twice. A number of board members spoke on his behalf, including Supervisor Ray Bloomer, who vacated the now-open seat to allow for Zeitz's reappointment. Mittelsteadt also took offense and called efforts to prevent Zeitz from serving underhanded. He noted he would be sending a letter to the state Attorney General Office's Ethic Board concerning the matter. He added that out of discontent this would be his last term. "It's supposed to be about honor and respect for others' views, not bullying. This is just like a nasty little playground. It's like going back to school." Board Chair Bob Lussow is expected to make an appointment at next month's meeting. Additional routes creating a more expanded ATV trail system in the county were approved involving portions of CTH CC, CTH H and CTH A.

**Operation Deer Watch kicks off Sunday, as the DNR encourages Wisconsin citizens to report deer sightings, including does, fawns and bucks to its database at www.dnr.wi.gov. The program will continue through Sept. 30. The purpose of the program is to get a more accurate determination of overall deer population in the state. Observations should be made between sunrise and sunset each day.

**The deadline for applying for fall turkey, sharp-tailed grouse and Horicon and Collins zone Canada goose permits, bobcat, fisher and otter trapping tags and sturgeon spearing permits is Monday, Aug. 2.

**According to Chuck Grigg, proprietor of Chuck's Sport Shop in Tomahawk, the tried and true baits for catching fish at this time are- bluegill: worms or waxies on a colored hook or ice fishing jig on light line; crappie: cubbies or frizzes, beetle spins, pinky jigs and small minnows; bass: Cotton Cordell Bs, Os and Bandits around stumps; northern pike: spinner baits around weed beds; and musky: assortment of top water baits, jerk baits, large spinners and plastic minnows.

**Musky fishing also is very good now, with several area fish being caught, photographed and released (CPR). Beetle Nyberg caught a 46-1/2 inch fish, and Trevor Myers landed a pair of brutes, one 45-1/2 inches long and the other 44 inches.

**Look for the Fishing Report link at left for fishing tips and be sure to visit the Fishing With Jed blog on our Message Board.

For the 31st year in a row, Tomahawk will host the Antique Outboard Motor Club International annual meet at SARA Park Aug. 4-7. The park is located at 900 W. Somo Ave. along Lake Mohawksin (Wisconsin River). The event generally draws hundreds of exhibitors, vendors and "classic" boat and motor aficionados from across the country and beyond. In years past, various outboard motor companies were featured in indoor displays. Likewise, various boat companies like Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company have been featured. During the course of the meet there are different on-water competitions for boats of all sizes and shapes. There also is a cruise of Lake Mohawksin and an exhibitors' parade that offers spectators up-close views of the boats on the water. SARA Park offers camping on the grounds (no hook-ups) for a modest daily fee. Highlights of the meet include - Thursday, Aug. 5, 3.6 HP Modified Event, 10-11 a.m.; Modified Zephyr Event, 1-2 p.m.; 5HP Stock Johnson Event, 3-4 p.m.; boat parade around water ski show, 6 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 6, Stock Zephyr Eliminations and Finals, 10-11 a.m.; Oldest Running Outboard Event, 2-3 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 7, Predicted Log Event, 10-11 a.m.; and banquet, 6 p.m. For more information, contact Bob Dalle Ave at 715-356-5649 or cedarfal@newnorth.net.

Pick up the handy 2010 WOW section at business locations around the area. It's filled with "great things" to do, see and people to meet. Among the stories is a feature on Tomahawk Girl Scout Valerie Thomzik, who recently oversaw the building of a $150,000 bridge at Camp Birch Trails in Irma. There also information on Movies in the Park and Music on the River, the Kwahamots; Harley-Davidson factory tours, the full-motion simulator at Tomahawk Regional Airport, historical museums, the Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA, the Antique Outboard Motor Show in August, Special Olympics, the Tomahawk School District, water recreational opportunities, the Brantwood Heritage Center, musky legends, Thrilla on the Grilla, Calendar of Events and much more. **Note: The Tomahawk Leader has an incorrect phone number in the Calendar of Events in the 2010 WOW section. The Antique Outboard Boat and Motor Show will be held Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 4-7, headquartered out of SARA Park. The annual event draws national and international participants and vendors. For information, call this number: 715-356-5649 (not the number listed). The Leader apologizes for the error!

The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce and The Bridging the Gap Communication Committee are hosting the "In This Together" program Wednesday, July 28 starting at 8 a.m. at the Tomahawk Community Bank upstairs community room. All business owners and mangers are encouraged to attend. The focus will be on upcoming road construction and removal of the North Fourth Street bridge. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), which will conduct the presentation, acknowledges that businesses in construction zones have special needs and that it's critical that customers have access and continue to visit businesses, regardless of any roadwork inconvenience. The In This Together program includes an online workbook, case studies and promotional samples that demonstrate techniques that have been used successfully in both large and small communities throughout Wisconsin. To access helpful information, look for the Related Link in the lower portion of this page.

Kinship of Tomahawk needs the community's help in providing backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year for 43 matched kids and 19 kids waiting for a mentor. Tags are hanging on trees at Tomahawk Ben Franklin and Nelson's County Market. The public is encouraged to take a tag or two, and purchase the items listed, then drop them off at Tomahawk Ben Franklin or the Tomahawk Leader by Aug. 2. Monetary donations also can be written out to Kinship of Tomahawk. For more information, call 715-453-1910.

The Tomahawk Leader is pleased to announce a new online feature: Money-saving, national grocery coupons powered by RedPlum. The Leader Coupons (CLICK HERE) are accessible here and continually via a link under our Paper Clips in the left column. Check back often for updates, clip and save! If you have any problems printing the coupons, check the pdf below.

The Town Square is a great place to check for places to stay, shop and dine while in the Tomahawk area. For information on adding your business link with web site, call 715-453-2151 or email sales@tomahawkleader.com.

The Wisconsin Roads Report is accessible via a link elsewhere on this page. **For a 15-day forecast, see our Weather at the top of the page.

Click here for direct links to web sites related to stories in this week's Leader:

In This Together-road construction campaign

Larry M. Tobin Novel, Pressing Matters

Lincoln County Building Project

Lincoln County Humane Society

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin

Newspaper Public Notices Online

Oneida County Mining Exploration

Tomahawk Fire and Rescue School

Wisconsin Road Reports

Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Information