(Photo Story) During the last series of proposals, the Brantwood Post Office was listed among those for possible closure. Now, it joins several other smaller Post Offices in the area and thousands around the country that may instead see a reduction in hours. Affected are area Post Offices in Brantwood, Harshaw, Hazelhurst, Gleason, Irma, Ogema, Prentice and Tripoli. The new strategy would be implemented over a two-year, multi-phased approach and would not be completed until September 2014. The earliest, in theory, any time changes could begin would be this fall, noted Sean Hargadon, corporate communications-Lakeland District, in a phone interview Friday. Public meetings are required beforehand in each affected community, which is when many of the details will be outlined, he said. Once implementation is completed, the Postal Service estimates savings of a half billion dollars annually. Read more and see a list of the hour changes in this week's newspaper. The complete national list of affected Post Offices is in the pdf immediately below.

A windfall may be coming your way! Yes, the state of Wisconsin has placed a legal notice in the Tomahawk Leader this week that lists the names of persons and businesses that appear to be owners of abandoned property. Perhaps you're name is on that list! Wisconsin State Treasurer Kurt Schuller has traveled the state giving back the proceeds of unclaimed property. Sometimes the dollar amounts are huge - as much as a million dollars. Every year, millions of dollars in bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds and uncashed checks are turned over to the state treasurer because the owners cannot be found. The State Treasurer's Office serves as the custodian of such items, so rightful owners have one place to search. That office handles more than $405 million in unclaimed cash. More than $33.8 million was returned in 2011. There's even an online auction. To start, check out the list of in the Leader to see if your name appears and the accompanying website to learn more.

**Meeting on Nokomis lake district
(NEWS UPDATE, as of 9:30 a.m. May 15) The Oneida County Board of Supervisors will hold a special County Board meeting Tuesday, May 29 regarding the Lake Nokomis Lake District petition at 9:30 a.m. at the Nicolet Area Technical College theater located on the Rhinelander campus. The Oneida County Board of Supervisors will make a decision regarding whether the petition to form a lake district for Lake Nokomis is granted. We'll have more in the May 22 Tomahawk Leader.

**(UPDATE): The first hole in one for Monica Kummerfeldt of Tomahawk was also the first for the new par 3 16th hole at Inshalla Country Club, Sunday May 13, Mother's Day. Look for a picture and more details in the May 22 newspaper.

**Fishing tips are posted in our Fishing Report and in Jed Buelow's "Fishing With Jed" blog on the Message Board.

**The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP) is celebrating another success in its efforts to reintroduce a wild migratory whooping crane population in eastern North America. A whooping crane chick hatched last week in Wood County.

**Dozens of volunteers assisted state wildlife researchers in capturing and placing radio-collars on 132 yearling and adult deer in January, February and March. Now the call is going out again for volunteers to help locate fawns born to does that were fitted with implant radio transmitters designed to signal when fawns have been born in mid- to late May.

**"With the whitetail birthing season just around the corner, volunteers are again needed to sweep the woods looking for the newborns," said Chris Jacques, DNR research scientist. "When located, fawns will be fitted with expandable radio collars so we can follow them through their first year of life to determine causes of death, whether it be due to nutrition, environment, vehicle, hunters or predators. This is real applied research and last year's volunteers found the work rewarding."

History of Tomahawk Sports Book 1, part of a four-volume set, is now a reality. About two weeks ago, hundreds of cases of the 550-page book were delivered to Tomahawk's newest published authors, Bob and Donna Skubal. Book 1 covers the history of Tomahawk High School (THS) sports from Fall 1897 through Spring 1980. It includes photographs of early THS sporting teams, coaches, all-conference athletes and much more. Mention also is made of athletes who furthered their athletic careers at various universities, as well as those who had noteworthy accomplishments during various sports competitions (such as a hat trick in hockey). The book has a protective cover, designed by former Hatchet athlete Bob Schmidtbauer, that is adorned with photos of the old Tomahawk high schools, early Hatchet sports teams and longtime Hatchet teacher/coach/athletic director Bill Fischer. There was a feature about the huge undertaking that took nearly 30 years of research in the Aug. 23 Tomahawk Leader. Copies of the book are on sale for $20 at the Tomahawk Leader, Nelson's County Market, the radio station and at Skubals' home, 1526 Cedar Ave., or call 715-453-5690. It costs $25 to have one mailed.

Tomahawk Leader Publisher Larry Tobin has fulfilled a dream and published his first novel, "Pressing Matters". It's about small town corruption and the fallout experienced by a local newspaper (Fremont Press Gazette) publisher, Press, his family and staff after the news is brought into the public eye. "Pressing Matters" is available locally at Tomahawk Ben Franklin, Nelson's County Market and at the Tomahawk Leader office. Additional information on the author is posted online at larrymtobin.com and copies of Pressing Matters are available there and via a banner on this site (just click on the Pressing Matters front cover and go to "Buy a book"). And, it's available on Amazon.com and can be ordered through any bookstore nationwide.

New technology is allowing the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce and others in the region to connect with visitors on a more personal level to ensure they enjoy their stay while in the Northwoods. A list of avatars and a free Northwoods app are now available for smartphone users. The new technology allows visitors to create an online personality (avatar) and to stay up-to-date on all the things going on that their specific character might enjoy while visiting the Northwoods. Read more in the March 6 Tomahawk Leader. To find your Northwoods avatar, go to thenorthwoodsofwisconsin.com or the chamber's website at gototomahawk.com.

A new Directory of Voluntary Organizations in the Tomahawk area has been published and is available for reference in the pdf below and in our Related Links at the bottom of this page. The first 2011 Tomahawk Directory includes 68 organizations and is a gift to the citizens in and around the Tomahawk area from publishers Jo-Ski and AJ Theiler. Information includes each group's mission/activities, date founded, annual expenditures, membership numbers, and contact information. There's also a form here to add your group to this undertaking.

The Tomahawk Common Council approved an ordinance May 1 that creates a new boat launch fee at the SARA Park, Bradley Park and Kwahamot Park boat landings. The on-site cost is $2 per day. Seasonal passes at $20 are available at City Hall, Viegut's, Chuck's Sports Shop and Aquatic Arts.

Typo the Tomahawk Leader Office Cat is a regular columnist in the newspaper and a celebrity on Facebook. Become a friend today!

**Obituary summaries published in the May 15, 2012, Tomahawk Leader include:

**Andrew J. Weber, 36, Tomahawk, born in Tomahawk, attended Tomahawk schools (died unexpectedly 5-12-12; funeral services 4 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at St. Mary Catholic Church; visitation begins at 2 p.m. at the church; Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, assisting).

**Vernon "Vern" Lamer, 82, Tomahawk, born in Tomahawk, 1948 graduate of Tomahawk High School, drove heavy equipment for Army Corps of Engineers in building Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska; returned to Tomahawk, heavy equipment operator for Drott Manufacturing, Inc., traveled all over world demonstrating equipment, made general manager of Drott Training Center, now Case Tomahawk Customer Center, instrumental in building and promoting that center, retired in 1991 after 37-1/2 years; instrumental in building Camp 10 Ski Hill and first Zamboni for local hockey association (died 5-9-12; Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12 at St. Mary Catholic Church; visitation at Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, Friday, May 11 from 4-8 p.m. with vigil service at 7:30 p.m., visitation continues Saturday at 10 a.m. at the church; memorials appreciated to St. Mary School Legacy Fund or Tomahawk Hockey Association).??

**John E. Brunker III, 60, Milwaukee, formerly of Tripoli, born in Milwaukee, grew up in Tripoli, 1970 graduate of Tomahawk High School, worked on grandfather's farm in Brookfield, welder with A.O. Smith and Tower Automotive, Milwaukee (died 5-6-12; visitation Thursday, May 10 from 5-8 p.m. at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk; private funeral services May 12).

**Susan Fehland Younker, 80, Tomahawk, (died 5-8-12; no services per her request).

(Complete obituaries, many with photos, are published in the Tomahawk Leader. Our sponsored Church Directory has been provided here as a pdf for informational and reference purposes.)

Don't panic. There's nothing wrong with the new bridge! So says Mike Tolvstad, city of Tomahawk director of public works, as he announces barges will be back in the water and crews will be back at work on Veterans Memorial Bridge beginning Monday, May 21. It's the final step of the project and nothing to be concerned about, Tolvstad added.

While the state as a whole in last Tuesday's recall primary sided with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett as the Democrat to face incumbent Republican Gov. Scott Walker in next month's recall election, Lincoln, Oneida and Price counties all opted for Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. In the Northwoods, Falk tallied 1,665 to Barrett's 1,467 in Lincoln County. In fact, Barrett only won in six of 27 precincts in Lincoln County/Oneida County voters also favored Falk 2,215-2,163; and Price County did similarly, 758-739. For a breakdown of local voting, see this week's Tomahawk Leader. The recall election between Walker and Barrett takes place June 5.

**GRADUATION SECTION: Parents, grandparents, employers and others: celebrate that graduate's big day with a congratulatory ad in the 2012 Graduation section. The deadline is noon, Wednesday, May 23. Call the Tomahawk Leader office at 715-453-2151 for details, stop by or email sales@tomahawkleader.com. See the pdf below.

**COMMUNITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALE: Takes place Saturday, June 16 throughout the area. You can be part of the event and receive extra promotion. See pdf below.

Among the other stories in the May 15, 2012, Tomahawk Leader:

**Authorities are investigating after a 36-year-old Tomahawk man was found dead in his vehicle Saturday morning. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office was notified of a car in the ditch on County Road H, near County Road A in the town of King at around 9:25 a.m. When deputies arrived they found Andrew J. Weber dead behind the wheel. It is not being considered a traffic crash.

**Two volunteer firefighters camping at North Forest Campground in the town of King put out a trailer fire Saturday evening.

**The peninsula where the Tomahawk Dog Park is located on Lake Mohawksin will be among options if the city does decide to pursue developing a city-owned campground.

**Tomahawk Main Street is seeking crafters for the 18th annual Main Street Memories Car Show Sunday, May 27, (Memorial Day weekend). Thousands annually attend to see over 300 vintage vehicles on display. Call 715-453-1090 or email director@tomahawkmainstreet.com.

**Black bear found guilty for town of Russell break-in.

**A group of students at Tomahawk Elementary School has come up with a gem of an idea to raise money for the area's temporary homeless shelter, Frederick Place, Rhinelander. The idea to ask the community to donate unused jewelry quickly grew into a massive collection of necklaces, earrings, rings, watches, broaches and more that will be sold to benefit the shelter during the Friday, May 18, School Carnival at the Tomahawk Elementary School. Check the Community Calendar and School Calendar for information, our Photo Album for pictures, plus the full story in this week's Leader.


**Tomahawk High School's Drama Department will present its spring children's play, "The Elves and the Shoemaker," Wednesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Tomahawk School District auditorium.

**Elvis, Elvis, Elvis sightings in Merrill. Check the Community Calendar for the Love Me Tender in Merrill" event.

**Check out some words of wisdom from a young lady (Mariah Bethel) who donated to Locks of Love.

**Opportunities at Tommy O's Northern Stars Playhouse.

**Lots of Summer School offerings.

**You'll definitely want to check out the two-section Family Owned & Locally Produced Business and Product section in the May 8 Tomahawk Leader. It's filled with stories about area businesses, their history, their commitment, their legacy. The sections are available at a number of business locations and the Tomahawk Leader.

**You can purchase American flags at the American Legion Hall in downtown Tomahawk.

**Get the full stories and much more with in this week's Tomahawk Leader.

**After getting shut out 8-0 last Monday at Nekoosa, the Tomahawk varsity baseball team rebounded with victories over Lakeland, Northland Pines, Hurley and Crandon to improve to 5-4 in the Great Northern Conference (GNC) and 10-7 overall. Walked twice and hit by three pitches at Crandon, Tomahawk's Pete Kleinschmidt scored all five times he came to the plate.

**The softballers hosted Antigo last Tuesday for a 10-2 Great Northern Conference (GNC) win, Merrill Thursday for a 6-7 non-conference loss and Hurley Friday for two non-conference defeats (7-10 and 0-4). As a result, the Lady Hatchets are 6-4 in GNC play and 8-10 overall.

**With just one Great Northern Conference golf meet remaining on the schedule at Rhinelander this Friday, the Tomahawk varsity golf squad finds itself in third place overall among the league's seven teams. The Hatchets finished in third place at Antigo's Bass Lake Golf Course last Tuesday in GNC Meet #5 and fifth Friday at Medford's Black River Golf Course for GNC Meet #6;

**Last Tuesday, the Hatchet co-ed track team hosted four other squads for the annual Tomahawk Invitational. The Lady Hatchets topped the girls' competition with 123 points, followed next by Mosinee (77 points), while the T-hawk boys placed third with 86.5 points, behind both Northland Pines (114) and Mosinee (100.5). Hatchet senior Kellan Flynn set a new meet record in the girls' high jump when she leapt 5'4" for the win. Senior Rachel Sudbury established a new meet record in the girls' 400m dash with a winning time of 1:01.12. The boys' 400m relay (Tyler Saindon, Austin Bellile, Eddie Yirsa and Dan Galloy) also set a new meet mark with a first-place time of 45.56.

Tickets are now available for the 2012 Tomahawk Community Awards Banquet, a time to recognize outstanding service and leadership within the community. The banquet, sponsored by the Tomahawk Leader and hosted by Inshalla Country Club, will be held Monday, June 11 at Inshalla. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program to follow, including an exciting presentation on the veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The evening also will include music provided by Jeff Calhoun. Honored will be this year's winners of the Distinguished Service Award, the most coveted of awards, dating back more than 50 years, LEADERship Award, Employee of the Year, Youth LEADER of the Year and a Community Appreciation Award. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for youth age 18 and under. They are available at the Tomahawk Leader and Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce offices, call 715-453-2151 or email news@tomahawkleader.com. A meal choice of chicken alfredo or beef tips must be specified when purchasing tickets. Past award winners are always encouraged to attend. See the pdf below.

The Tomahawk community will rally behind little Samuel Massa Saturday, May 19 during a "Day for Samuel." The nearly 2-year-old was recently diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Lots of activities are planned Saturday from noon to midnight at Rodeway Inn & Suites. The public is encouraged to attend. There also will be a 70-mile Motorcycle Fun Run, a volleyball tournament, bake sale, brat fry and raffles at other locations. Check our Community Calendar for additional specifics.

Those who would like to help out the family may mail donations to: River Valley Bank, 1218 N. Fourth St., Tomahawk, WI 54487. In the memo include Samuel Massa or a note identifying the donation.

Have you ever dreamed of owning an existing business? Are you an entrepreneur at heart and interested in possibly starting a business venture? Do you know someone who is? Now's a great time to consider one of our buildings for sale and rent in downtown Tomahawk. Our Main Street Program even offers one-on-one mentoring with financial, business plan and other advice. Stop by the Tomahawk Main Street office at 225 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk, WI 54487. Call 715-453-1090 or email director@tomahawkmainstreet.org for additional information. We also have a link to a listing of available properties immediately 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.

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.

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

Oneida County Mining Exploration

Tomahawk Area Directory of Voluntary Organizations

Tomahawk Fire and Rescue School