What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
After ten years without a contested mayoral race, Tomahawk voters turned out strong on April 7, choosing Michael Habeck to lead their city into the next chapter. The long-time resident secured a decisive victory with 655 votes to Jeffrey Koth’s 227, bringing fresh energy to a position that hasn’t seen a real electoral fight in over a decade.
For Habeck—known around town as “Hob”—the win represents more than political office. It’s a chance to give back to the community he’s called home for over 40 years.
“I can tell you this 100%, I love this community,” Habeck said after the results came in. “I love being a part of it, and I just want to serve the community. The people of Tomahawk are the most important thing.”
Anyone who’s driven through Tomahawk lately knows the streets have seen better days. Cracked pavement and potholes have become a familiar sight, particularly after another brutal Northwoods winter takes its toll.
Habeck didn’t shy away from the issue during his campaign. He’s acknowledged the problem head-on and says fixes are already in motion.
“The roads in Tomahawk need help,” Habeck explained. “We need some assistance from the state as well, I’m sure. And we’ve already started working on that, so we’ll definitely keep working on it.”
The road deterioration isn’t just an eyesore—it affects daily life for Tomahawk’s roughly 3,200 residents and impacts the tourism economy that keeps this city running. When summer visitors head up Highway 51 to enjoy Lake Tomahawk and the surrounding forests, those first impressions matter.
Beyond the visible cracks in the pavement, Tomahawk faces financial challenges that require careful navigation. The city’s budget deficit has put pressure on essential programs that residents rely on throughout the year.
Habeck knows he’ll need to balance the books without cutting services that matter most. Parks, public safety, and community programs all depend on fiscal stability—especially in a town where seasonal tourism creates revenue fluctuations that can strain municipal budgets.
His approach in those critical first days? Listen first, act second.
In his first days in office, Habeck plans to listen to the community and decide where to go from there—a strategy that honors his decades of attending city meetings as an engaged resident.
A contested mayoral race after a decade of uncontested leadership signals something shifting in this Lincoln County community. Voters had a choice, and they made it clear.
Both Habeck and Koth participated in a candidate questionnaire hosted by the Tomahawk Leader before the election, laying out their visions for the city’s direction. The conversations covered everything from infrastructure improvements to government transparency.
Key priorities for Tomahawk moving forward include:
The landslide victory gives Habeck a clear mandate, but the challenges ahead are real. Tomahawk’s economy still leans heavily on forestry and seasonal visitors—industries that bring both opportunity and infrastructure strain.
What sets Habeck apart isn’t just his four-decade connection to Tomahawk. It’s the years he’s spent showing up—attending meetings, listening to neighbors, understanding what makes this community tick.
That grassroots involvement matters up here. Northwoods towns thrive when leaders actually know the people they’re serving, when they’ve weathered the same long winters and celebrated the same summer festivals.
Founded in 1883 as a lumber town, Tomahawk has always been shaped by residents who stick around and invest in the place. Habeck fits that mold perfectly.
As the snow finally melts and Tomahawk transitions into the busy season, the new mayor faces immediate decisions. State assistance applications don’t write themselves, and budget meetings wait for no one.
But there’s optimism in the air, too. A leader who genuinely loves his community and understands its rhythms brings something valuable to city hall—especially in a region where authenticity counts for everything.
For Tomahawk residents watching their roads, their budgets, and their quality of life, the next few years will reveal whether this electoral shift translates into tangible improvements. One thing’s certain: they’ll have a mayor who’s been walking those same roads—literally and figuratively—for over 40 years.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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