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Update: UW-SP Student Holds Ribbon Cutting for Treehaven Labyrinth Published on 08/13/2018 under News

Earlier this month, we told you about a unique art project at Treehaven in Tomahawk created by a UW-Stevens Point student.

Yesterday, Meghan Wagner held a small ceremony as that project wrapped up. Over the past month or so, the upcoming senior designed and laid out a 30 foot labyrinth on the grounds at the Treehaven campus in Tomahawk.

A labyrinth resembles a flat geometric maze, but unlike a maze there is only one path to follow on a labyrinth. Wagner was inspired during her studies abroad in Ireland.

She ended up using 6 tons of river rocks and over 7,000 pounds of mortar during construction. And it became a community project of sorts, as Wagner had several public help days to help lay out the design.

Yesterday, a few dozen people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and became the first people to walk the completed labyrinth.

In Other News

Cerny's Greenhouse Kicks Off 43rd Season; Remains Open during Road Construction

Published on 05/13/2024 under News Growing season is finally upon us, and a business just north of Tomahawk remains a popular destination for all things plants. Cerny's Greenhouse recently opened the doors on their 43rd season. Despite his busy season, second-generation owner Justin Cerny took a few minutes to stop by the WJJQ studios to talk about the business, growing season, and accessibility during a nearby construction project. Over the years, Cerny's has been not only supplied the Tomahawk area, but a shopping destination for those around the state. Cerny says, "the out-of-town word of mouth has been phenomenal." That can be attributed to the quality of the plants, grown across 15 greenhouses, all in-house. Cerny admitted to having a high standard for what they put on the shelf. As for the plants, the numbers are staggering, for example, Cerny says they sell around 15,000 hanging baskets alone each year. They are constantly moving plants for their production greenhouses to their retail space. Justin shared a sense of pride in being able to drive through his hometown and pick out plants he knows came from his shop, including the Main Street flower program. He noted that in addition to the retail space, around half of their products are sold wholesale, supplying garden centers around the region. Just days ahead of the 43rd season opener, Cerny's was thrown a curve-ball with some nearby road work. Lincoln County began a project on County Road A, right in front of the business. With little advance warning, Justin admitted to being caught off-guard when the road construction signs went up. He says he's been in communication with the County and construction crews and he assured that they business will remain open and accessible seven days a week. For those that would like to hear more we've got that conversation available in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News From last month's solar eclipse to the northern lights over the weekend, we've experienced some pretty impressive sights in the skies above. Unfortunately, another common occurrence in the atmosphere has returned. For the first time of the year, areas of Wisconsin have been placed under an air quality advisory due to Canadian wildfire smoke flowing into the Midwest. The alert is for sensitive groups, which include those with respiratory illness, the elderly, and young children. Those individuals should limit their time spent outdoors especially with any strenuous activity. Others will simply notice hazy skies and a slightly smokey smell at times. Weather patterns are expected to shift early this week. Conditions should begin to improve. These fire are burning in Western Canada including British Columbia and Alberta.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News It won't be long before area waterways are buzzing for the summer season. The DNR is reminding boaters to check their craft and equipment as well as review some basic safety tips. According to the DNR, there were 28 fatal boating incidents on Wisconsin waterways last year. Many of those incidents were preventable. DNR boating law administrator Darren Kuhn says, "Wisconsin rivers and lakes can be relaxing and family-friendly places to spend a spring day when you put safety first and respect the water." That safety starts before the boat hits the water. First the DNR recommends a check of the boat, registration, trailer, and lights. Kuhn also touched on life jackets, making sure there are enough on board, and they are still in good shape. While not required, it is recommended that life preservers be worn. Based on the length of the boat, a throwable and a fire extinguisher may also be required. Once on the water, remain sober, pay attention to surroundings, keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Those rules and tips are all covered in the online boater education course, required for all operators born after 1988.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News With tick season now upon us, scientists at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute are continuing a research project on ticks with a little help from the public. The research is focused on the distribution of tick species in the area, including any new, invasive ticks that may be moving into Wisconsin. They will also identify the microbes carried by each tick, and any disease-causing pathogens. To establish their Tick Inventory, researchers are actually asking the public to submit ticks. The first phase, launched earlier this month, targeted central Wisconsin. Now researchers are looking to expand their collection efforts to other areas of the state with collection kits at various parks and nature centers including Rib Mountain State Park. Alexandra Linz, MCRI associate research scientist notes that ticks are moving into new areas in response to environmental changes. She says, "This is an opportunity for Wisconsinites to act as citizen scientists and help us learn about ticks and their diseases, which can potentially help us better inform on disease prevention and early detection as well as develop improved diagnostic tools and treatments." You can learn more on their website, we'll include the link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News Back in July of 2019, severe weather crossed northern Wisconsin with high winds leaving a path of damage across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Nearly five years later, a closure order from the damage has officially been lifted. That windstorm left many roads, trails, and recreation areas littered with downed trees, along with additional trees still standing, but at risk. Much of the damage was in southeastern portion of the CNNF in Langlade and Oconto Counties. During this time, many roads, trails and recreation sites were closed for safety and accessibility. In the years that followed, crews have been busy removing hazardous and downed trees, while repairing trails, signs, and other damaged infrastructure. That hard work has paid off. USDA Forest Service Recreation Program Manager Karen Katz said in a news release last week, "Volunteers, partners and employees have worked diligently for several years so that areas affected by severe storms in 2019 could re-open."

Published on 05/13/2024 under News Road construction season is in full swing several new projects added to a growing list. As always road construction project details and end dates are estimates and dependent on factors such as weather. The DoT has additional details for their projects on their website. WisDoT: Crews will begin work on Highway 17 between Stevens Street and Pollyanna Road on Rhinelander's north side. The summer-long project will include the replacement of asphalt, curb and gutter and motorists can expect some reduced lanes. The project is expect to run through early October. The DoT will begin work on Highway 55 in Langlade County including replacement of the Nine Mile Creek Bridge. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with flagging or temporary traffic signals using a temporary bypass lane. This project will run through August. Oneida County Highway Department:The Oneida County Highway Department is scheduled to complete a large culvert replacement on County Highway K west of North Rifle Road today. They expect a full closure at that location and through traffic will need to take an alternative route. They hope to have the road re-opened by Tuesday. In addition to the new projects, several ongoing projects continue as well. WisDoT:Crews continue work on Highway 51 south of Minocqua. They are working between Manitou Park and the Lake Minocqua bridge. Traffic will switch to single bi-directional traffic in the southbound lanes between Manitou Park Drive and the Minocqua Lake bridge. This project is slated to run through mid-July. Work continues on Highway 8 between Wis 17 north and County P in Oneida County. The project includes pavement replacement and intersection upgrades. Motorist will encounter single lane closures with the use of temporary traffic signals. The work is scheduled through mid-September. Lincoln County Highway Department:Amid ongoing work, crews continue work on the north segment of County A between the City of Tomahawk and Highway 8; County K between Larson Lake and Highway 51; and Tug Lake Road. These project all have an end date of July 15. Local businesses are accessible, but thru traffic should use an alternative route.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News Tomahawk High School had a successful showing at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival recently held at UW-Stevens Point. According to instructor Corey Colburn, 13 THS students qualified to participate across 11 solo and group vocal and instrumental events with several students compete in multiple categories. Of those performances, seven earned top marks including double recipients Arawen Alberg and Xan Sutton. Other first division participants were Murphy Koth, Bella Marino, Ayla Lewison and Elliot O'Connor. Participants earning second division ratings include: Ella Hilgendorf, Ryu Fuszard, AJ Schertz, Akira Sawada, Scarlet McKenzie, Julia McGovern, Dorian Stefan, Jayden Dellinger, Kaylee Roberts, Greta Kurth, Sadie Ruder, & Naomi Nelson. Colburn says, the THS music faculty is extremely proud of the very fine musicianship that our students put on display at the festival. We would like to congratulate them on their hard work and practice time that brought them to this point. THS has approximately 70 students in their two music ensembles. Full Results:First Division ratings were earned by Bella Marino, vocal solo; Ayla Lewison, vocal solo; Elliot O'Connor, alto saxophone solo; Xan Sutton, vocal solo and musical theater solo; Murphy Koth and Arawen Alberg, vocal duet; and Arawen Alberg, musical theater solo. Second Division ratings were earned by the Junior-Senior Soprano-Alto ensemble consisting of Ella Hilgendorf, Ryu Fuszard, AJ Schertz, Murphy Koth, Arawen Alberg, Bella Marino, Akira Sawada, Scarlet McKenzie, & Julia McGovern, and by the Freshman-Sophomore Soprano-Alto ensemble consisting of Dorian Stefan, Jayden Dellinger, Kaylee Roberts, Greta Kurth, Sadie Ruder, Ayla Lewison, & Naomi Nelson. In addition, Division II ratings were earned by the following solo events: Murphy Koth, vocal solo; Scarlet McKenzie, alto saxophone solo; and Greta Kurth, vocal solo.

Published on 05/10/2024 under News For a few hours this evening, more than two dozen shops in downtown Tomahawk will turn into temporary wineries offering lucky ticket holders samples of merlots, pinots and muscattos. The Tomahawk Main Street Wine Walk returns for a ninth year, and remains one of the hottest tickets in town. Whether it's the wines or a spring stroll through the business district, the Wine Walk has certainly found its footing in the community. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says, "This annual event has become a tradition, many families and friends come downtown to spend the evening shopping, sampling and making memories." The Wine Walk continues to grow in popularity. In fact, when tickets went on sale last month, Turkiewicz noted they sold out all 250 tickets and filled a wait-list within a few hours. And while there aren't any tickets left for the 'Wine Walk' portion of the event, Turkiewicz says that everyone is invited to come downtown and enjoy the camaraderie and festive atmosphere. Participating businesses will have extended hours and sales, while there will be other entertainment including live music outside Honeycomb Loft and the old Century 21 lot. Main Street's got a full rundown on their Facebook page.

Published on 05/10/2024 under News With their latest expansion project in focus, the Tomahawk Historical Society will turn their focus fundraising. We previously shared some of the details of the project. Adding to their Washington Square complex, the Historical Society is planning to construct another building to house an antique print shop and a Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company exhibit. They have been working with two longtime residents on the project. The print section is the specialty of Louie Heuser, a retired printer who has vintage and antique equipment including a rare, working Linotype machine. Meanwhile, Gene Winter has plenty of information and displays thanks to his family ties. His uncle Franklin Winter was among the co-founders of the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company back in the 1940's. The current plan is to build an approximately 5,000 square foot building behind the kindergarten classroom museum on E. Washington Ave. They received the blessing of the city Park and Rec. Committee back in March. The next step is raise money and efforts will be underway throughout the summer. In fact, they'll be partnering with Trig's for a Brat Fry on Saturday and another planned later this month.

Published on 05/10/2024 under News Our local loon rescuers were on call again Friday morning, but this time it was a pair of bald eagles in need of help. We frequently follow the work of Kevin and Linda Grenzer, and heard from Kevin a bit earlier this morning following their latest rescue. It was actually local dentist, Dr. Robert Imm, who spotted the two eagles along the road in Tomahawk with their talons locked together. Grenzer speculated that the eagles were likely involved in a territorial dispute. With their talons linked together, neither would let go. With the Grenzers on scene, along with Dr. Imm who stuck around to help, they were able to free the birds. One of the eagles flew off immediately, apparently unharmed. The other eagle did have some injuries that required a trip to REGI. *Update: The injured eagle is being treated at REGI after sustaining deep puncture wounds.

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