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Tomahawk School Board Approves Final Budget for 26-27 School Year

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board has finalized the district's budget and tax levy for the 2026–27 school year. The board held a special meeting Tuesday to approve the spending plan after finalizing student enrollment and state aid figures. The newly approved tax levy stands at 15.3 million dollars, approximately 250,000 dollars below the maximum allowed under state levy limits. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that over the past five budget cycles, the board's decision to consistently underlevy has saved local taxpayers roughly 1.7 million dollars. As a result, Tomahawk's equalized tax rate drops to 5 dollars and 15 cents per thousand dollars of property value, the lowest rate in district history. Quesinberry says, "We believe the approved budget strikes an appropriate balance between supporting the educational needs of our students, maintaining a strong and competitive workforce, and remaining mindful of the financial responsibility placed on our local taxpayers." The board achieved those tax savings despite continued challenges. State-required payments for students attending private schools through Wisconsin's voucher program jumped nearly 33 percent, costing local taxpayers over 323,000 dollars. Additionally, the district continues to see a 15% annual decline in general state aid,another $225,000 drop from last year. Budget season continues across the Northwoods as municipalities and counties work to finalize their spending plans for the upcoming year.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News As communities across Northern Wisconsin work to expand their trail networks, a new state grant is helping showcase the Minocqua area as a year-round destination for bicyclists. The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau received a $39,550 marketing grant from Travel Wisconsin. The state funding kicks off a three-year plan to connect and promote the area's many biking options including paved paths, gravel routes, mountain bike trails, and winter fat-tire biking. The project aims to connect trail networks in Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff directly to downtown business districts, hotels, and local restaurants. "Outdoor recreation has always been at the heart of what makes the Minocqua area such a special destination," said Visitors Bureau President Krystal Westfahl. She noted that the goal is to build on existing trails while finding ways to grow and make improvements. First-year efforts will focus on studying trail traffic to guide future efforts, updating local trail signs and maps, and launching a marketing campaign to promote the Minocqua area as a top cycling spot in all four seasons.Photo left to right: Melissa Doering, Managing Director; Chris Jennings, Regional Tourism Specialist, Travel WI; and Kailey Barutha, Marketing Director

Published on 10/29/2026 under News Election Day is less than a week away, but students at Rhinelander High School just got a hands-on look at what it actually takes to run an election behind the scenes. Yesterday, the high school transformed its social studies classes into a full simulated polling place in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods. Rather than just learning about government from a textbook, students stepped into every role of the voting process. Trained student volunteers ran the election under the guidance of League mentors; working check-in stations, handing out ballots, and overseeing voting booths for their classmates. While their votes cast Wednesday won't count in the actual election, the mock ballot featured major real-world races. League President Debra Durchslag noted that giving young people a peek behind the curtain helps demystify the voting process. Organizers hope this nonpartisan experience builds civic confidence and inspires students to become active, lifelong voters once they become voting age.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Transportation relaunched a public safety campaign Wednesday aimed at increasing seat belt usage and curbing distracted driving across the state. Known as "Buckle Up, Phone Down," the initiative highlights two critical driving safety factors. According to WisDOT data, nearly half of all traffic fatality victims were not wearing seat belts, while distracted driving played a role in more than 9,000 crashes statewide last year. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasized that distraction-related crashes are entirely preventable, pointing out that seat belts remain the single best defense against severe injury or death on the road. She noted that the campaign brings both habits together to help drivers stay focused and safe behind the wheel. Cell phone use remains one of the primary drivers of distraction, which triggers all three major forms of distraction simultaneously: • Visual: Taking your eyes off the road • Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel • Mental: Taking your mind off driving The DoT and their partners have been using the Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign since 2021.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Hodag Country Music Festival is still more than 250 days away, but organizers of the summer staple gave fans a sneak peek this week at some of the artists set to take the stage. The lineup will once again feature a blend of iconic country names and rising stars. Hodag mainstay Neal McCoy will headline opening night on Thursday alongside Brantley Gilbert. Saturday night brings another mix of classic and modern country with Wynonna Judd and Dan + Shay. Closing out the festival on Sunday is American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. Hodag 2027 is scheduled for July 8–11. Fans can visit the Hodag Country Fest website to view the full list of confirmed performers.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The 2026 bear harvest totals were up this year, led by strong numbers here in the Northwoods. The Department of Natural Resources announced preliminary results for the season, which wrapped up earlier this month. Hunters harvested 4,275 bears this year, about 500 more than last year and slightly above the five-year average. Wisconsin's black bear population is estimated at more than 24,000 animals, with the highest concentrations located in the northern half of the state. Natural food sources and weather played key roles in the season's success. DNR large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson noted that an abundant acorn crop in the southern half of the state reduced the effectiveness of baiting. Meanwhile, bears in the north changed their movement patterns due to widespread, ongoing drought. Statewide, about 28% of hunters successfully harvested a bear, aligning closely with the five-year average success rate of 30%. However, Northwoods hunters saw much higher success rates. Zones A and B, divided by Highways 51 and 64, reported success rates of 73% and 52%, respectively. More than 146,000 people applied for a bear hunting license or preference point for the 2026 season, setting an all-time record. The DNR reminds hunters that the application deadline for next season is December 10.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Wastewater Department is taking steps to address a persistent and costly problem in the city's sewer system. Residents who repeatedly violate flushing rules could eventually see the costs passed on to their utility bills. At Tuesday night's meeting, the Board of Public Works discussed ongoing lift station backups caused by improperly flushed items, including wipes labeled "flushable," feminine hygiene products, and other non-biodegradable debris. Despite previous outreach efforts, including warnings on utility bills and notices distributed through door hangers, the problem remains widespread. Earlier this year, they shared the "No Wipes Down Pipes" campaign on social media. City staff can isolate problem areas, with Esker Heights identified as one of the neighborhoods experiencing frequent calls. However, pinpointing the individual households responsible remains a challenge. To encourage compliance, board members revisited a proposal to impose a surcharge for repeated service calls to the same locations. While no surcharge was formally approved, the board directed wastewater staff to calculate potential costs ahead of the next meeting. The city also plans to communicate with residents through a mailer serving as a final warning. Additionally, officials will verify that lift station alarm systems are fully operational, with both audible and visual alerts to help identify problems early. Tomahawk isn't the only Northwoods community dealing with the issue. Earlier this month, the City of Rhinelander issued a similar warning about proper waste disposal and what should and shouldn't be flushed.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A jury returned a split verdict in the trial of a teenager charged in connection with the fatal attack of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor. After approximately two hours of deliberation, 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was found not guilty of the most serious charge, reckless homicide, in the death of Corey Proulx. However, following the six-day trial in Merrill, the jury did find Hurd guilty of one count of battery by a prisoner. The charges stemmed from a June 2024 incident at the Lincoln Hills juvenile facility. Prosecutors alleged that Hurd threw soapy water at a female officer. When Proulx pursued Hurd, an altercation broke out, causing Proulx to fall, strike his head on a hard surface, and suffer fatal injuries. Hurd's legal team maintained that the incident was an escalation rather than intentional reckless homicide. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Friday.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News Bats and Halloween go hand in hand, and throughout this week, wildlife officials are celebrating these flying mammals and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state is home to eight bat species, four of which are currently considered threatened. Bats are best known for their voracious appetites and ability to control insect populations. Experts note that a single adult bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects per hour. Wisconsin's bat populations have declined over the years due to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungal disease that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR Conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past few years have shown a slight rebound in population numbers, though she emphasized there is still a long way to go. Property owners can make a few small adjustments around their yards to create a more bat-friendly environment: consider installing a bat house, plant native species, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides. Residents interested in getting involved can find educational resources and citizen-science monitoring opportunities through the Wisconsin Bat Program.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A local firefighter has earned statewide recognition for his work keeping the Merrill community safe. Merrill Fire Department's Joe Bozinski was named Fire Inspector of the Year Thursday night at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association conference in the Wisconsin Dells. Nominated by Chief Josh Klug, the award came as a complete surprise to Bozinski, who was joined at the banquet by his family and fellow department members. Hired in 2021 as Merrill's first dedicated fire inspector in its 138-year history, Bozinski has reduced local fire code violations by 54 percent. With over two decades of fire service experience—primarily with the Village of Maine—along with a private sector background at Crystal Finishing Systems and Greenheck, Bozinski is known for building positive relationships with local business owners. Accepting the award, Bozinski said his goal has always been to inspire safety, not just conduct inspections, adding that he feels fortunate to serve the Merrill community.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News An Arbor Vitae man will spend a decade in federal prison following a child pornography investigation in Vilas County. U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma announced that 40-year-old Jack McBride was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. McBride pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography back in August. The investigation began in March 2025 when the Vilas County Sheriff's Office received two CyberTips regarding McBride's online activity with minors. A search warrant executed at his residence that June led to the seizure of two cell phones, where forensic analysts uncovered numerous illicit videos, images, and explicit search queries. During sentencing, Judge Peterson noted the severe nature of the material and the fact that this was McBride's second offense as key factors behind the 10-year sentence.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society is stepping in once again to help animals rescued from a severe hoarding situation. Earlier this week, staff worked alongside local law enforcement to remove 19 cats and kittens, plus one dog, from a home in Lincoln County, with additional animals still being recovered. Shelter workers say this is the second time in about a year they've had to remove animals from this exact same property. Officials point out that animal hoarding is a complicated, emotional issue. They note most owners genuinely believe they're helping, even as the situation gets out of control. Since the humane society doesn't have an investigator on staff, they rely on law enforcement and alert neighbors to step in. This can include helping get pets spayed or neutered before numbers increase. If you notice warning signs like strong animal odors and property neglect, request a welfare check with the proper law enforcement agency.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News After nearly three decades of guiding youth mentoring in Tomahawk, a familiar face at Kinship is preparing to pass the torch. Patti Hilgendorf joined our Monday Morning Conversation to share her plans to step down as Executive Director of Kinship of Tomahawk in the coming year, capping off nearly three decades of service that began at the organization's founding. Under Hilgendorf's guidance, Kinship grew from a basic mentor-matching service to a comprehensive community program offering after-school care, tutoring, and life skills. The organization experienced a similar transformation in its location, starting in a small, windowless office before moving into the Kinship House, and ultimately its new downtown facility last year. Hilgendorf says the timing is right as she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with her grandchildren. However, she plans to stay closely involved with Kinship and will assist her successor throughout the leadership transition. "I'm still around, but it's time to step back a little bit," Hilgendorf said. "I will always be involved—it is my passion." As the organization prepares for its 30th anniversary in January, Kinship's Board of Directors is actively recruiting for the Executive Director position as well as a part-time Administrative Assistant. You can listen to our full Monday Morning Conversation with Patti Hilgendorf in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Lincoln County is home to more than 700 lakes and 650 miles of rivers and streams, and local officials are taking steps to ensure ongoing water protection programs continue into next year. At its meeting this past week, the Lincoln County Board unanimously approved three annual resolutions related to state grant applications and local stakeholder matching funds. Conservation Program Manager Tom Boisvert presented an overview of the measures, which include renewed funding requests through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network. If awarded, the recurring grant dollars will sustain and expand local educational outreach, aquatic invasive species prevention, and shoreline restoration projects across the county. A third resolution formalized local matching pledges required for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant. Under state guidelines, local partners must cover a 25 percent cost share. Stakeholders stepping up to provide those annual matching funds include the Lake Nokomis Lake District, Friends of Lake Mohawksin, and the Spirit Reservoir Association. If both annual grant applications are awarded for the full amount, Lincoln County will secure up to $30,000 in combined state and local funding to maintain its water conservation efforts.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Volunteers in Minocqua came together over the weekend to cross a major milestone in the fight against food insecurity. More than 500 community members gathered at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday for the 18th annual Food for Kidz meal-packing event, hosted by the Lakeland-Area Lions Club. Working across two high-energy, two-hour assembly shifts, a crew of 506 packagers, alongside table hosts, restockers, and setup crews, packed 690 cases totaling nearly 220,000 meals. Organizers say those results officially pushed the event's lifetime impact past 3.1 million meals packaged over its 18-year history in the Northwoods. The packaged meals will now be distributed to roughly two dozen local food pantries, shelters, and school backpack programs, with additional meals going to broader relief efforts across the country and overseas.

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