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DPI Releases General School Aid Estimates; Tomahawk Sees Increase Published on 07/05/2024 under News

While most schools are on summer break, the first week of July is an important time for district financials. That's when the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction releases an estimate of the general school aid each district will receive for the upcoming school.

General school aids are the largest source of state support for public schools. The funds help offset local property taxes under the current revenue limits. Statewide, the estimated general aid for the upcoming school year is up 4.2%, but that increase isn't evenly distributed. Based on a formula, some school districts see their aid increase, while others see it drop.

Looking locally, it's good news for the Tomahawk School District. After going nearly a decade with this aid declining year after year; it's a second consecutive year with an increase. Last fall, the district received around $1.8 million, this year's preliminary estimate is $2.1 million. That amounts to a 13% increase, and is back to level it was around 6-7 years ago.

We'll take a look at some of the other Northwoods figures in the coming days.

The estimated numbers are released during the summer when most school districts are working on their budgets. The finalized figures are certified in mid-October. General Aid does not include other state funding including 'per pupil,' sparsity, and transportation aid.

In Other News

Hatchet Volleyball Team Defeats Northland Pines

Published on 10/04/2024 under Sports On Dig Pick Night, the Hatchets were able to overcome service errors in Games two and three to defeat Northland Pines at home, 25-15, 21-25, 27-25, 25-17. Despite committing double-digit service errors on the night, Tomahawk was able to cancel that out with tremendous blocking and attacking from Freya Alberg and Siennah Caulkins. Alberg had ten kills and seven blocks on the night. Caulkins set a career-high with 16 kills. Shelby Borowski tied a season and career-high in assists with 34. The win puts Tomahawk at 10-15 on the season and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will travel down to Medford for their next GNC Showdown Tuesday. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:40 and first serve at 7:00 with Matt Theiler and Alex Koch in the broadcast booth.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News In just a few weeks the curtains will raise for latest performance from the Tomahawk Community Theater. It's only been four short years since a small group of Tomahawk area residents passionate about fine arts pitched the idea of what would eventually become the Tomahawk Community Theater. Later this month, they'll offer their third full production. During that time, they've also hosted two summer youth camps/children's plays and a talent show. Ahead of the upcoming play, TCT co-founder Terry Bucaro and lead actor Angela Lathum stopped by the WJJQ studios. Bucaro, looking back over the past few years, says 'the enthusiasm and support has been overwhelming.' This includes not only the cast and crew, but the community and local businesses and sponsors. As an example, in the latest production, they've worked with the Tomahawk High School Drama Department as well as the local thrift store for props and costumes. With their growth, the fall production also brings a new, larger, setting. They'll be performing on a proper stage at the Tomahawk school auditorium. Bucaro says the new setting means they won't be able to offer the dinner and show package from past performances. But she encouraged attendees visit one of the sponsor restaurants for a date night ahead of the show. That includes Tilted Loon, Castaways, Sideways, and Tomahawk Family Restaurant. Some of those partners will even offer date night deals for ticket holders. As for the play, it's a comedy, Ghost Story. Among the 9 actors, a mix of ghosts and humans, is Lathum. She's got plenty of theater experience as a retired professor who only recently got involved in the local theater. We'll have a bit more ahead of the opening date. They've got two dates scheduled, a Saturday evening show on October 26 and an afternoon matinee on Sunday, October 27. Tickets are already for sale, for $10. Bucaro says they're once again utilizing digital passes from Ticket Spice. Information is available on the Theater website and social media.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News With no measurable rain over the past week, additional areas of the Northwoods have been classified as drought. The US Drought monitor released their updated maps on Thursday. The latest report shows all of Oneida and Vilas Counties now listed. That includes the eastern portions of the county now in D-2 or severe drought. Most of Lincoln County is also listed, either in moderate drought or abnormally dry in the south west corner of the county. Similarly, drought is also expanding in southern Wisconsin. The only region of the state not currently classified is a narrow band in central Wisconsin. The dry conditions, coupled with other factors including the forecast, led to elevated wildfire conditions in the middle of the week. It is also quite the reversal from late spring and early summer when the state was drought free and we experienced above normal rainfall.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News Wisconsin can be called the cranberry capital of the US, producing twice as much as the next state. This weekend, the tiny, tart fruit will be showcased in the Northwoods. Cranberry Fest is returning to Eagle River for its 44th edition, and Chamber director Kim Emerson notes that around 45,000 people attend the the two day event each year. Not only is the cranberry Wisconsin's top fruit export, according to the USDA, the state is expected to produce half of all cranberries around the globe. While central Wisconsin grows the most, Northern Wisconsin is also a major producer. Just a few highlights for the weekend include area marsh tours, wine tasting, a farmer's market and more than 250 booths for their craft fair. There will be plenty of cran-foods and beverages with past treats including meatballs, fritters, cheesecakes, soda, and beer. Of course, you can purchase your own cranberries as well. Some 10,000 pounds of fresh cranberries are also sold at Cranfest. The festival is centered at the Vilas County fairgrounds, with additional events at satellite locations including marshes, wineries, and downtown Eagle River.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News The DNR has an expansive sampling effort for chronic wasting disease. For one Northwoods location, they're conducting additional sampling for the forever chemicals known as PFAS. The Town of Stella, in Oneida County, has been monitored for elevated PFAs levels in water samples for several years now. The DNR is looking to study the impacts on deer. As a result they're requesting hunters who harvest an animal within a three mile radius of the Town submit a tissue sample. According to the news release, they need a 100 gram muscle and tissue sample, as well as harvest details such as the specific location of the animal. The samples can be delivered to the Rhinelander CWD kiosk. The DNR has additional instructions on their website. Once the testing is complete, the hunter will receive a final report. The results will also be shared with the Department of Health. The DNR is seek deer samples from animals harvested near the Town of Stella.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News Youth will be peddling through the Northwoods this weekend, as the Rhinelander Community is hosting the Hodag Hustle Mountain Bike Festival. The event is part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League. Organizers anticipate more than 1,000 middle and high school student-athletes and their families will roll into town. The local Rhinelander Northwoods Composite team is among the 98 squads participating. The riders will push their limits, test their skills, and enjoy adventure while racing and exploring the scenic mountain bike trails at Camp Tesomas. In addition to the competition, the teams and their families will also participate in non-racing activities including hitting other local trails and enjoying the scenic fall colors. The races will continue throughout the day Sunday.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News Some of the state's youngest hunters will head into the field the next few days in the hopes of bagging a buck. This weekend marks the return of the Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunt. According to the DNR, the youth hunt is intended to give hunters 15 years old and younger the opportunity to learn from a mentor and gain valuable deer hunting experience. Rules for the mentors differ based on the age of the youth hunter and whether the youth has completed their hunter's education course. Participants are encouraged to review those guidelines. According to last year's youth harvest summary, nearly 8,000 deer were taken, an even split between bucks and does. Newcomers can also celebrate their first hunt or first harvest with special commemorative certificates offered by the DNR. The DNR also put out a reminder that anytime a firearm deer season takes place, including the youth hunt, blaze orange/pink rules go into effect. Other outdoor recreationists may also want to wear those colors. The two day youth hunt is Saturday and Sunday. This weekend also marks the start of the Gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities.

Published on 10/04/2024 under News Taylor County didn't have to look far for their next Sheriff. Chief Deputy Corey Dassow will ascend to the role in the new year. Governor Evers announced the appointment on Thursday. Dassow will take over for current Sheriff Larry Woebbeking, who will be retiring at the end of the year. Woebbeking said he will be working closely with Dassow over the next couple of months. He says, "I'm confident the transition will be seamless for the members of the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and the citizens we serve." Dassow will officially be sworn in January 1, and will complete the remainder of Woebbeking's term through January 2027.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News Fall color season is in full swing here in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas. A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close look while getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, there are a number of bike trail systems that wind through wooded areas. Highlighted trails include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in northern Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a higher perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in Wausau, Granite Peak has their chair lifts running for fall color viewing as well. According to the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, the Northwoods colors will peak in the next week or so.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News Lincoln County is celebrating it's 150th anniversary, and community partners are organizing several events and activities. As part of the sesquicentennial, organizers are encouraging people to get out and explore through their recently launched History Hunt. Throughout the month of October, participants will be tasked with visiting historic locations around the county . Each destination will feature a history hunt sign with a historical fact and a corresponding clue to be placed into the word puzzle. They note the history hunt is a combination of a scavenger hunt, a driving rally, and some word puzzle skills. Among the qualifications they listed, "A sense of adventure and love for local history!" Participants have the entire month of October to visit the locations and complete the puzzle. The cards will then be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes including an overnight trip to the Dells. Game sheets are available at the Tomahawk and Merrill Chambers. Additional information on this and other 150th anniversary events is available on the County website. They also encourage people to mark October 19 on the calendar for a day-long, county-wide celebration.

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