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2021 Spring Election Preliminary Results: Tomahawk School Referendum Narrowly Defeated Published on 04/07/2021 under News

As for school referendum questions around the region it was a mixed bag. In Tomahawk specifically, the board brought back an updated referendum after a spending request was defeated by just 51 votes last November.

Despite lowering the request and a robust public information campaign, it appears the new spending request has once again been defeated, by an even closer margin. Preliminary results with more than 2,500 ballots cast showed the measure going down by just 34 votes.

This time around, the Tomahawk School District asked tax payers to approve a 4 year, $3.25 million operational referendum. Without another election scheduled until next spring, the district will head into next year's budget planning with a shortfall to make-up.

Elsewhere in the area, a Medford School District building referendum was defeated, as was an operational referendum in Elcho. Phelps voters approved the renewal of their operational referendum. Wausau residents split their vote, approving a smaller operational referendum, while defeating a building referendum.

Election Results: Few Races in Northwoods

There were relatively few competitive municipal races in the greater Tomahawk area...

Wendy Smith fended off a challenger for Nokomis Town Clerk. In both the Towns of Skanawan and Wilson, three candidates sought two seats as supervisor. Michael Lucas and Wally Horabik won the Skanawan seats, Allen Russ and Dan Sennet the Wilson seats.

The Tomahawk City Council will remain unchanged as Ed Nystrom, Will Garske and Mike Loka each ran unopposed. And the Tomahawk School Board, Deb Velleux and Cherie Hafeman had no challengers. A third seat is being decided by write-in and we are still awaiting those results. That seat was held by Cathy Schmit.

In Other News

Wisconsin Historical Society ‘History Makers Tour’ Coming through North Central Wisconsin

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Wisconsin Historical Society is visiting the Northwoods in the coming months as part of its History Makers Tour. The initiative launched in 2023, aiming to connect people of all ages with compelling stories, people and places that have shaped Wisconsin's past through a lineup of engaging events, exhibits, pop-up displays and community programs. Sara Batkie, Statewide Engagement Coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society, explained, "The History Makers Tour gives communities across Wisconsin unique opportunities to explore and celebrate the diverse histories that make our state special." The Northwoods leg of the Tour includes Antigo, Eagle River, Merrill, Park Falls, Rhinelander and Wausau where they partner with local parks, libraries and community spaces. Batkie says, "We are excited to bring a slate of special events and experiences to the north central region this year and look forward to engaging residents and visitors alike in discovering more about the people and stories that helped shape Wisconsin history." Some exhibits are long-term, others are signature, one-time events. For example, in May, during Rhinelander's Hodag Heritage Days, they'll feature a program called, "Wisconsin Whoppers: Sensationalistic Storytelling, Tall Tale Tourism, and Cryptid Currency in the Badger State." Other topics of exhibits during the tour include winter sports, vintage gas stations, the Tommy Bartlett water ski show, and single room school houses. You can visit the Wisconsin Historical Society website for a full schedule.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News An elementary school in Rhinelander was temporarily placed on lockdown Monday. According to a news release from the district, during recess, school staff at Crescent School reported hearing what they believed to be a gunshot to the north of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was immediately notified, and the school was placed into lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area including the use of a thermal imaging drone and discussions with nearby residents. They did not identify any evidence of suspicious individuals or activity. After confirming there was no apparent threat, law enforcement cleared the scene, and the school safely returned to normal activities approximately 45 minutes later. The district says, at no time was there evidence indicating a risk to the safety of students or staff. The school appreciates the swift response of law enforcement and the cooperation of students, staff, and families during this precautionary measure.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Aspirus Scholars Program is a collaboration aimed at addressing the national physician shortage, particularly rural areas like north central Wisconsin and Michigan's UP. At a special signing ceremony this past week, the Aspirus Health Foundation welcomed five new medical students to the program, committing $875,000 to students attending the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin Campus. As part of the arrangement, the students commit to employment at Aspirus upon graduation. Lanna Scannell, Aspirus Vice President, System Philanthropy says, "The Aspirus Scholars Program is about investing early in individuals who are committed to serving our region and strengthening access to care for the long term. Scannell added, "These scholars bring a strong sense of purpose and connection to our communities, and we are proud to support them as they prepare for careers that will make a lasting impact on patients and families across the region." This is the tenth class of the program, which now features 36 Aspirus Scholars.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A teen driver was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call of a hit and run crash on Highway 51 in the Town of Scott Thursday. The caller reported a northbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck another vehicle from behind, and failed to stop. A short time later, a deputy located the suspected vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 19 year old Birnamwood man. The driver told the deputy he left the scene because he got scared. The deputies observed signs of impairment and requested field sobriety tests, which they said the driver refused. He was taken into custody for first offense OWI and two counts of bail jumping. His name was not included in the report._____ One other quick note from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report...the number of vehicle versus deer collisions dropped with just three being reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News While the Christmas decorations have been put away for the year, the season of giving continues up in Minocqua. The Lakeland Pantry recently received a $2,700 donation thanks to the 2nd annual Festival of Trees. The 2025 Festival of Trees featured a dazzling display of 56 trees hosted at the Bottled Bean, each uniquely decorated by Northwoods businesses and organizations throughout the month of December. Community members played an active role in the event by purchasing tickets and casting votes for their favorite decorated tree with proceeds going towards the Pantry. Director Lorna Springate said in the announcement, "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the Festival of Trees and the entire Northwoods community. This generous donation will help us continue to serve families in need and demonstrates the remarkable spirit of giving that defines our area." The organization offered a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and look forward to next year's event.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A city of Tomahawk committee continues to discuss the regulation of boats that produce enhanced wakes. These preliminary conversations are under the purview of the Tomahawk Park and Rec Committee. The topic is back on the agenda for their Tuesday meeting, with a proposed ordinance included in the meeting packet that would impact wakeboats on Lake Mohawksin. Wakeboats typically utilize a ballast system that creates a larger wake for the purpose of surfing behind. Those seeking regulations cite the environmental impacts these boats cause to the lake bed and shoreline, the potential introduction of invasive species in the ballast water, and safety concerns for others on the lake. The ordinance included for discussion tonight would prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, or fins to cause a boat to operate in a bow-high manner. First time violators would be subject to a $500 fine. Any ordinance would need approval by the Tomahawk City Council. The Council has yet to discuss the topic. Because Lake Mohawksin includes multiple jurisdictions, an identical ordinance would need approval by the Town of Bradley. Legislation regarding wakeboat regulation is also being discussed at the state level.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' basketball squad notched their second straight win in as many days Friday night at the Hatchet House, completing the sweep of the Merrill Blue Jays, 44-32. The Hatchets rode the back of Senior Center Freya Alberg to get their 12th win of the season. Alberg led all scorers with a season-high 25 points. The win moves Tomahawk to 12-9 on the season and 6-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader against Rhinelander.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female wrestlers would place third at the first-ever Great Northern Conference Girls Wrestling Meet in Medford Friday night. Tomahawk would have three first-place finishers in the invite. Tomahawk's first-place finishers would come from Kylie Peissig at 144 pounds, Kami Gabrich at 185 pounds, and Abby Doleshal at heavyweight. The Hatchets also had four more wrestlers place in the top three and earn All-Conference honors. The only two teams that placed ahead of Tomahawk were Merrill and Wausau West. The WIAA Girls Regional Meet is Friday from Merrill High School. The opening round will begin at 4:00 pm. Join Alex and Tony for coverage with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pre-meet show at 3:40 pm on Northwoods 92-5, WJJQ.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' basketball squad was trounced in a Great Northern Conference match-up with Merrill Friday night, losing 82-23. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-16 on the season and 0-10 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Monday night for a non-conference showdown with Northland Lutheran in Kronenwetter. Tip-off is at 7:00.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet male swimmers would finish third in the GNC Meet at the Thunderbird Pool in Minocqua Friday night. Tomahawk would finish behind Shawano/Seymour and Rhinelander in the meet. Bruce Peetz was the top Hatchet finisher across two different events. Peetz would place second in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles. GNC Boys Swimming Standings This concludes the Hatchet Swim Regular Season. The WIAA Division 2 Boys Swim Sectionals are in Rice Lake next Saturday.

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