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DPI Releases General School Aid Estimates; Tomahawk Sees ~$500k Drop

Published on 07/14/2025 under News While schools are on summer break, 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 year. General school aids are the largest source of state support for public schools. The funds help offset local property taxes which are restricted under revenue limits. The estimated general aid for all school districts for the upcoming school year is almost identical to the previous year, but for individual districts that isn't the case. Unfortunately for the Tomahawk School District, it's a significant drop in state aid. Last school year, the district received a little more than $2 million in general aid. For next year, the estimate is $1.5 million. The $494,000 drop is approximately 25%. By percentage, it's the fourth largest cut in the state. The drop in state aid, ultimately shifts the burden onto the local tax role. At the Tomahawk School Board meeting this past week, District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry explained that they'll work to minimize the local impact as best they can. 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.

Published on 07/14/2025 under News Troopers with the Wisconsin State Patrol will be getting a new vantage point this week in an effort to crack down on distracted driving. The State Patrol is once again partnering with the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association to conduct a week-long enforcement campaign known as "Trooper in a Truck." Borrowed from other states, assigned troopers will ride in the passenger seat of partner semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. That elevated view gives troopers a better perspective to spot distracted driving dangers such as texting behind the wheel, as well as safety violations like seat belt use. If a violation is spotted, the trooper will radio another unit in a squad to conduct a traffic stop. "We're grateful for the partnerships that support Trooper in a Truck and strengthen our goal of zero preventable deaths on Wisconsin's roads," Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says they are grateful for the partnerships that support Trooper in a Truck. He added, "Safe roads rely on everyone to do their part and drive responsibly." This is the fourth summer the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted 'Trooper in a Truck,' and a half dozen other states utilize similar campaigns. The enforcement effort will take place throughout this week. For northern motorists, they're planning to work out of the Wausau State Patrol Post on Friday.

Published on 07/14/2025 under News Expecting families have a lot on their plate. The Oneida County Health Department is looking to make it easier for new parents, with a little help from the community. In early July, the Oneida County Health Department has been hosting a community wide diaper drive. In addition to diapers, they're also collecting other items including wipes, newborn hygiene items, postpartum care essentials and baby clothes. The goal is help out families with a new addition. They note that costs have been rising and one in two families struggles to afford diapers. The Health Department has teamed up with a number of local businesses to serve as drop-off spots, the collection runs through the end of this week. Then a bit later this month, on Saturday July 26, they'll be hosting a Community Baby Shower at the Hodag Dome.

Published on 07/14/2025 under News Wisconsin is known for it's outdoor recreation, so it's only fitting that the state recognize those who contribute to the industry. The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation was created in 2019, and this year they partnered with Governor Evers to create the Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry Awards. Two of the inaugural recipients were from right here in the Northern Wisconsin. That includes Bill Bertram, who was received the Big Tent Award. An outdoor recreation advocate in Marathon County, they highlighted his leadership adding he "approaches every event and initiative with a focus on community, personal encouragement and removing barriers to participation." Just a few of his projects include: the Badger State Games, the Rib Mountain State Park Expansion, and the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway. We had previously shared the First Ascent for Innovation Award went to the Glide, an ice skating trail up in Boulder Junction. Gov. Evers said in announcing the recipients, "The folks we're recognizing with these awards go above and beyond to keep Wisconsin's outdoors a premier destination, and their work is helping to build a brighter, healthier and more prosperous future for our communities and our state." In all, there were seven award recipients. The committee received around 75 nominations for awards.

Published on 07/14/2025 under News The Rhinelander Kiwanis continue to make progress on their fundraising efforts for a new all-inclusive playground and splash pad. They recently announced another donation, this time from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. They donated $10,000, specifically earmarked for the splash pad portion of the project, which the Kiwanis noted brings them another step closer to breaking ground. Kiwanis Club president Sandy Klima says, "Their investment in the splash pad will directly impact local families by providing a free, safe, and inclusive place for kids to cool off, play, and connect with others." Leah Van Zile is the WPS Foundation President. She says they are honored to support the project, adding, "Parks are invaluable resources that unite people and neighborhoods together. Our donation is part of our commitment to strengthen the communities we serve."

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Sports Headlines

Voermans Competes in WIAA State Track & Field Meet

Published on 06/09/2025 under Sports Hatchet Junior Track and Field Athlete Alicia Voermans finished 13th in the Pole Vault at the WIAA Division 2 State Track and Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Friday. Voermans equaled the school record with a leap of ten feet even. Voermans finished ahead of Angelina Appelbaum of New Berlin Eisenhower, Calee Klein of Clinton, and Amelia Sikri of New Berlin West. Voermans' GNC opponent, Rhinelander's Macy Myers placed eighth with a leap of 11 feet. This concludes the Tomahawk Track and Field Season.

Published on 06/05/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's Sawyer Hanna's Season ended in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Golf Meet at Hayward Golf Course Wednesday in a playoff. Hanna finished with a score of 74 and headed into a three-way playoff with Medford's Zach Hintz and St. Croix Central's Braiden Rasmussen. In the playoff, Hanna and Hintz both pared on the playoff hole. However, Rasmussen chipped in a birdie from 40 feet to be the final individual state qualifier from the Sectional Meet.

Published on 06/03/2025 under Sports The Hatchet baseball team gave #1 seed and #5 in Division 3 Elk Mound their whole effort, but came up just short at Village Park Monday, losing in the WIAA Regional Semifinal in walk-off fashion, 4-3. Tomahawk scored the first two runs of the game and held a 2-1 lead until the fourth inning. After Elk Mound took the lead on an RBI groundout in the fifth, the Hatchets responded with a triple from Cash Olsen and an RBI single from Brody Rigney to tie the game at 3-3. Regardless, the Mounders would get the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to score on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Kaden Moyer, scoring centerfielder Kamron Diermeier. Rigney pitched 5.1 innings of work, giving up just three runs on six hits while striking out six. Rigney also went three for four at the plate with three singles. Olsen finished two for three with a triple. Drew Tollefson went two for four with an RBI as well. Tomahawk finises the 2025 season with a 10-13 record and a 5-7 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate four seniors, who are Rigney, Tollefson, Brayden Larson, and Cooper Hetzel.

Published on 05/30/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's Baseball Squad walked off #9 seed Chetek-Weyerhauser in a wild WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Game at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field Thursday, winning, 11-10. The Hatchets jumped out to a 7-2 lead after two innings, but the Bulldogs jumped ahead. Chetek-Weyerhauser scored eight of the next nine runs, including a five-run sixth inning. The Hatchets trailed, 10-8 in the bottom of the sixth before tying the game with two more runs. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Junior Second Baseman Nick Arndt walked off the game with a fielder's choice, scoring Wally Horabik. Drew Tollefson went three for four with a double and an RBI. The Hatchets came away with 13 hits and took advantage of six Chetek-Weyerhauser errors. The win puts Tomahawk at 10-12 on the season. The Hatchets will play in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal at #1 Seed and #4 ranked in Division 3 Elk Mound Tuesday. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show is at 4:35 and First pitch is at 5:00 from Elk Mound Village Park on Sports Talk 810 AM and 97.7 FM WJJQ. If Tomahawk wins, they will play at either #4 seed Fall Creek of #5 seed Boyceville Wednesday.

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