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Tomahawk Officials Considering Advisory Referendum on Water Fluoridation Published on 11/13/2024 under News

Back in September, the City of Tomahawk-Board of Public Works voted to end fluoride treatment in the city's water supply. Now the city will likely look for input from voters next spring.

At their meeting last night, the Tomahawk City Council directed the city clerk to prepare a resolution to officially place an advisory referendum question on the April ballot.

The decision to end fluoride treatment of the water came at the Board of Public Works September meeting. It emerged during a discussion on corrosion of a storage room where the city keeps chemical supplies including the concentrated fluoride additive.

A much longer discussion was had at the October BPW meeting, before the board recommended the Council consider asking for the voter's opinion the topic.

Due to the quick turn around, along with the election and budget work, they didn't have a formal resolution in time for last night's meeting. That will likely come in December. That's also the deadline in order to get a question on the April ballot.

In Other News

Lincoln County 911 Center Receives Grant for Tech Upgrades

Published on 11/14/2024 under News The Lincoln County 911 Center will be getting some much needed upgrades thanks to a state grant. Lincoln County has been awarded a $416,684.16 grant by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs' Office of Emergency Communications. It's part of a statewide initiative to bring Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) technology to local communities. The goal is to ensure faster response times, greater accuracy, and enhanced emergency response capabilities that residents can rely on during any crisis. Tyler Verhasselt, Lincoln County Director of Emergency Management said, "This upgrade will improve our emergency communication capabilities, ensuring that our residents receive the swift assistance they need in critical moments." He continued, "By equipping our first responders with advanced technology, we are enhancing their ability to protect and serve effectively." The County had applied for this grant unsuccessfully in a previous cycle. With the grant award, they hope to begin the upgrades as early as next month with a goal of completing the entire project by June 1, 2026.

Published on 11/14/2024 under News Vintage car enthusiasts came together in September for a worthy cause. The Northwoods Classic Car Show Series hosted an event at St. Germain's annual Colorama. Organizer Don Elfstrom was able to present a $1,500 check from their proceeds to the Northwoods COPE Coalition. COPE stands for Community, Outreach, Prevention and Education, and they work on mental health awareness in Northern Wisconsin. Rachael Cornelius is a COPE Co-lead and community health educator in Vilas County. She says, "This generous donation from the Northwoods Classic Car Show Series is more than just a financial contribution. It's a powerful reminder that our community is committed to supporting mental health and suicide awareness." Heidi Pritzl, Co-lead for the Mental Health and Suicide prevention subcommittee for COPE & Clinical Therapist for Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health added, "Every dollar raised helps us spread crucial messages of hope, prevention, and support to those in need." Among their most recent efforts was the 'Heads Up Guys' campaign. The Coalition delivered special drink coasters to area restaurants and taverns and plan to bring them to golf courses in the spring. The coasters provide information on free resources aimed at helping men improve mental health and reduce the risk of suicide. This is the second year the Car Show proceeds have been donated to COPE, something Elfstrom was proud of, while noting they were deeply appreciative for the Coalition's efforts. Last year, the contributed $1,000. Northwoods COPE is a tri-county coalition serving Forest, Oneida, and Vilas counties. Photo provided by Aspirus: (Pictured left to right) - Rachael Cornelius, Northwoods COPE Coalition Co-lead and Community Health Educator for Vilas County Public Health, Don Elfstrom, Northwoods Classic Car Show Series, and Heidi Pritzl, Co-lead for the Mental Health and Suicide prevention subcommittee for COPE & Clinical Therapist for Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health

Published on 11/14/2024 under News The cost of garbage pick up in the City of Tomahawk will be increasing next year. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved a resolution increasing the residential solid waste pick up rates. The city currently offers three different size bins, and each will see the same $16.50 quarterly increase, or $5.50 per month. • 48 Gallon $27.75 to $44.25• 64 Gallon $31.50 to $48.00• 96 Gallon $36.00 to 52.50 The city staggers the quarterly bills, with the changes going into effect for the customers first bill in 2025. During the discussion,they noted this is the first increase in cost in more than a decade. The current fees were put in place January 1,2011. There was minimal discussion on the topic, the resolution was approved unanimously. _____ A couple of other quick notes from the City Council meeting. The Council approved two requests to divide parcels land both made by Daigle Brothers. The first divides a parcel on Theiler Drive into four lots for future residential use. The other reconfigured two adjacent lots at their business to better suit their business needs. The Council approved the annual Business Improvement District operating plan along with the special assessment rate for the Tomahawk Main Street District. The assessment, proposed by the members themselves, remains the same: $3 per $1,000 assessment. And the Council approved a development agreement with Schoone Construction for the demolition and redevelopment of an abandoned home on 429 E. Somo Avenue. They hope to tear down the building in the coming weeks and plan a duplex replacement.

Published on 11/14/2024 under News As we reported last month, the DNR is exploring changes to the state's deer management units. After conducting a survey to gather feedback, the agency is hosting four open house opportunities over the next few weeks including one here in the Northwoods this evening. The DNR reviews deer management unit boundaries every few years, and one area of focus this time around is here in the Northern Forest Zone. The current county-based zones have been in place since 2014. Potential changes could see a return to a habitat based division. At the open house sessions, staff members will discuss the review process in general as well as the specific proposals being considered. The first is coming up this evening at the Woodruff Town Hall from 5-7pm. The second will be a virtual open house, online, via zoom. That's scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, 5-7 p.m. The remaining meetings will be Tuesday, November 19 at the Norvado Building in Cable, WI and Wednesday, November 20 at the Adams County Community Center in Adams, WI.

Published on 11/14/2024 under News Agatha Christie is known for her whodunit mysteries. Coming up this weekend her words will come to life in the Northwoods. The Nicolet Players say they'll be offering up an unforgettable night of suspense and drama with the performance of Christie's work 'The Mousetrap.' The original play at the West End Theater in London is unique; it has the longest run of any play in the world...around 30,000 performances dating back to 1952. Those familiar with Christie's work will know the general plot, a murder takes place and everyone is a suspect. In previewing the play, the local troupe note 'the thrilling drama, marked by Christie's signature plot twists and a surprise ending, promises a night filled with intrigue and excitement.' Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Doors open one hour before show time, with beer, wine, and concessions available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased at NicoletLive.com. Admission is $12 for the general public, $10 for K-12 students and seniors, and free for Nicolet College students.

Published on 11/14/2024 under News The DNR is looking to expand a program that provides libraries with day passes for entrance to state park properties. The Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program launched in 2022 with around two dozen libraries. It has since grown to more than 200 locations including here in Tomahawk. Not only can library cardholders check out a day pass, they may also receive an informational kit featuring state park system materials and maps, stickers, and other information. With the initiative entering a fourth year, the DNR continues to expand the scope and hope to include university and technical college libraries along with other participants. They also hope to incorporate some of the planned activities for the 125th anniversary of the state park system. Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section supervisor. "She says, "What better time to check out a state park for the first time than during our 125th anniversary?" Libraries can begin the application process for next year starting this week.

Published on 11/13/2024 under News One person is dead another injured following an overnight UTV crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, responders were paged to a single UTV crash with two occupants on Scott Road south of Heldt Street in the Town of Scott. The call came in at around 2am. The preliminary investigation showed the machine was traveling south on Scott Road when the operator lost control, entered the ditch and rolled. The operator, a 32 year old man, died from injuries sustained in the crash. His name is being withheld pending notification of family. A 40 year old passenger was thrown from the machine and sustained serious injuries. He was airlifted from the scene. No update on his condition was provided. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 11/13/2024 under News The Tomahawk School District will once again ask voters for additional dollars. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board voted unanimously to place a referendum on the ballot next spring. They'll ask for $3.25 million each of the next four years. That's the same amount is the current three-year referendum that expires at the end of the school year. A referendum advisory committee took care of most of the planning over the summer. That left just a few brief comments last night ahead of the vote. The expiring referendum was approved by 57% of the voters in April of 2022. The district has actually under-levied each the past two budgets, or not taxed the maximum amount. With the referendum question now approved, the district will likely shift to public awareness and outreach. Because of the current state funding formula, most school districts, both locally and around the state, operate with some level of referendum funding. There were more than 100 school referendum questions on the November ballot.

Published on 11/13/2024 under News As expected, the Lincoln County Board approved their 2025 budget Tuesday. The vote was a formality with work completed throughout the months-long process which began back in the spring. At their October meeting, the Board was presented with a balanced budget that included a tax levy proposed at $16.7 million. That's a $1.1 million increase over the current year, or 6.8%. Finance Chair Julie DePasse offered the same caution she did last month. The 6.8% increase doesn't mean everyone's taxes will go up by that amount, as other variables impact each property owner's tax bill. Last month, the budget presentation included some of the challenges the Finance Committee faced when crafting next year's spending plan. That was highlighted by the unexpected inclusion of funding for Pine Crest. That came after a sale of the nursing facility fell through. Other budget impacts included a jump in health insurance costs and capital investment in the landfill. The County will utilize it's remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, approximately $700,000 to fill in the shortfall. With those dollars now spent, it was a one-time tool that won't be available in the future. On Tuesday, the supervisors quickly approved the levy resolution with a unanimous voice vote. No changes or amendments were made.

Published on 11/13/2024 under News A group of 'High Tech Hodags' have advanced to a statewide competition for their work with the Lego Robotics Challenge Team. The Squad is part of Oneida County 4-H, partnering with the FIRST Lego League to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math or (STEM) curriculum to fourth through eighth graders. The latest project challenged students to design a solution to help whales impacted by sonar training exercises. The fun, hands-on learning allow the students to engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering while working with a Lego robot. Coach Anne Williams says, "It has been rewarding to see each of these students grow since the start of the season." She highlighted not only their creativity and problem-solving, but also their confidence and communication. That hardwork paid off, as the team traveled to and advanced out of the regional competition. Not only did the team advance, they also received the Core Values Award for displaying enthusiasm and spirit, working well together, and showing each other and other teams respect. In addition to the event in Oak Creek next month, the student's work will also be showcased at the Oneida County 4-H Robotics Festival at Nicolet College on Saturday December 21. Team members and photo (l to r): Coach Anne Williams, Katie Thompson, Elise Williams, Broden Kohnhorst, and Naomi Borkenhagen. Back row: Mark Currie, Nolan Ory, Isabella Currie, and Mark Simmermaker.

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