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Public Outreach Key in Planned Tomahawk School Referendum Published on 11/15/2024 under News

Earlier this week, the Tomahawk School Board approved plans to place a referendum on the ballot for the spring primary election, but their work isn't done just yet.

As we previously covered, the district is requesting $3.25 million each of the next four years. That's an extension of the existing referendum set to expire at the end of the current school year. It will appear on the primary ballot in February. The previous referendum was approved in April 2022 with 57% of the vote. That came after two previous efforts were narrowly rejected.

Following Tuesday's meeting, we were joined by District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry who talked a bit about the decision and what comes next.

He says the district will meet and work with various stakeholders in their outreach efforts. That includes community groups and organizations and holding public informational meetings in an effort to get the word out. He says the goal is to explain how school funding works, what the referendum is, and what it means for the district. This will allow residents to make an informed decision.

Quesinberry also highlighted the timing. With the referendum in February, it will come while property owners have their tax bills in their hand and fresh in their mind to see how it may impact them.

We've got that conversation with Wendell in the WJJQ Audio Center.

In Other News

Rhinelander Elementary Students Collect Red Oak Acorns for DNR Tree Nursery Pilot Project

Published on 11/15/2024 under News There are a lot of red oak trees on the grounds of the Rhinelander School District Cedric A Vig Outdoor Classroom and school forest. And that means a lot of acorns across the 160 acre property. Throughout the fall, elementary students collected acorns in a partnership with the DNR and a new seed collecting project. School Forest Manager Mike Cheslock explained he was approached by the DNR about hosting a pilot program at CAVOC. This fall, Cheslock worked with DNR staff and Rhinelander elementary teachers on lessons about trees, seeds, seedlings. That includes determining the viability of acorns through methods such as floating them in water. The students were also tasked with collecting red oak acorns specifically, and were able to collect an impressive 66 pounds. Those were recently delivered to a local ranger station, and will eventually go to a DNR nursery to grow new oak trees for restoration efforts and other projects. Cheslock felt the program was a big success, and he looks forward to offering it again next fall. Photos provided by the Rhinelander School District

Published on 11/15/2024 under News Ahead of Veterans Day, the Tomahawk community hosted a mixed doubles pool tournament with the proceeds going towards the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. The event was a great success, and organizers shared that they were able to raise more than $8,200. That's enough to send 16 vets on a future flight to the Nation's Capital. In addition to the pool tournament, they also had dozens of raffles, food and entertainment. The VFW, Cockatiels, and Floyd's shared hosting duties. As for the pool, Rick Running and Tammy Radtke took first place. Organizers wanted to thank everyone who participated, helped out, and contributed. They're planning an official check presentation at a later date. The Tomahawk Community continues to support the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. As we shared earlier this week, the Tomahawk Elementary Student Council recently held a school-wide fundraiser. At the district's annual Veteran's Day Ceremony on Monday, the students were able to present ceremonial boarding passes to 5 local vets.

Published on 11/15/2024 under News While Christmas is still more than a month away, the Governor is already gearing up for the holiday season. That includes preparing the tree that will be displayed in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. For a second consecutive year, that tree will come from the Northwoods, and Rhinelander specifically. Earlier this year, property owner Rick Burke reached out to the Capitol about the tree in his yard. It met all of the requirements to be showcased, an accessible, balsam fir of at least 35 feet tall. And earlier this week, volunteers from Ponsse and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals prepped and removed the tree, bound for Madison. The next step is decorations, a task for children, students, and families around the state. On Thursday Governor Evers put out a call for submissions, while also announcing this year's theme: 125 Years of Wisconsin State Parks.Then on December 5, the decorated tree will be presented at the annual lighting ceremony.

Published on 11/15/2024 under News Officials have identified the victim in a fatal UTV crash in Lincoln County this week. That crash happened early Wednesday morning, in the 2am hour on Scott Road in the Town of Scott. The preliminary investigation showed the driver of the UTV lost control, entered the ditch and rolled. He died as a result of his injuries. He has been identified as 32 year old Ryan Adams of Merrill. There was a 40 year old male passenger thrown from the machine. He was airlifted from the scene with what was described as serious injuries. No update on his condition was provided. His name was not released. The crash remains under investigation. According to the DNR, this is the 38th fatal crash involving an ATV or UTV in the state of Wisconsin this year.

Published on 11/15/2024 under News Today is America Recycles Day, and our friends down at the Good News Project in Wausau are celebrating with a day-long electronics recycling collection. The organization was recently honored by the DNR with the Recycling Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding recycling efforts, innovation, and performance. They highlighted the importance of e-cycling beyond clearing clutter. Most electronics contain valuable, and more importantly re-useable materials like gold, silver, and copper. Recycling old devices keeps them out landfills and reduces the need for mining new materials. As part of America Recycles Day, the Good News Project is hosting an electronics recycling collection from 9am-4pm at their Wausau location. There is a $0.45 cent per pound fee. Thanks to a partnership with TDS Telecommunications, they'll have a limited number of vouchers available. Those who recycle today will also be entered into a drawing for prizes.

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.

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