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Tomahawk Officials Considering Advisory Referendum on Water Fluoridation Published on 10/30/2024 under News

Last month, the City of Tomahawk-Board of Public Works voted to end fluoride treatment in the city's water supply. It could eventually receive input from voters next spring.

The decision at the September meeting was made during a discussion on corrosion of a storage room where the city keeps chemical supplies including the concentrated fluoride additive. City water lead Glenn Hanna confirmed they have already stopped adding fluoride following last month's vote.

The topic was back on the agenda last night, and around an hour of the meeting was spent on the topic. Most of the conversation came from members of the public. This included a contingent of local dentists, hygienists and other health professionals who urged the city to reconsider and resume treatment. Several members of the public, including a litigant in a national fluoride lawsuit spoke in opposition.

As the conversation progressed, the Board, and City Council members in attendance, raised the idea of an advisory referendum which would allow city resident to weigh in. A final decision to move forward on an advisory referendum was not made, and details including the date and wording of a question will be discussed at a future meeting.

In Other News

Wine Walk a Mother's Day Weekend Tradition on Tomahawk Main Street

Published on 05/09/2025 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 milestone tenth 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 found its footing. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says, For (the Wine Walk) to be 10 years, continue to be as strong as it is, and to sellout every year, that's been really neat to see." She added, "We've become a Mother's Day weekend tradition with a lot of repeat groups; mothers, daughters, grandmas, aunts and cousins spending time together and visiting our Northwoods." She mentioned a group of ten from Madison that have become regulars during Wine Walk Weekend. As in the past, the tickets are capped at 250, and were sold out weeks ago. In addition to the wine samplings, ticket holders also get a swag bag. And for the 10th anniversary, Tomahawk Main Street has teamed up with Sideways to offer a limited number of VIP ticket for a special private wine tasting. (As of Thursday evening, a limited number of the VIP tickets only are still available by calling the Main Street Office) But Turkiewicz notes that people can come downtown to enjoy the atmosphere, take in the live entertainment, and visit shops during extended hours. She estimated around 500-600 people actually come during the event each year. The Wine Walk will be held along Tomahawk Main Street from 4pm to 7pm Friday evening.

Published on 05/09/2025 under News The largest single-day food drive in the country is taking place this weekend, and local postal carriers are looking forward to the extra work that comes with it. It's time once again for Stamp Out Hunger, a collection put on by the Association of Letter Carriers in cooperation with the US Postal Service. The annual collection was launched all the way back in 1991. We were recently joined by local mail carrier Craig Boardman to talk about the effort. Local donations go to restock the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries, and Boardman says over years the Tomahawk community often out-collects larger cities. Last year, the local carriers collected more than 2,500 pounds of food items, along with some additional cash donations. Boardman also did some quick math noting that he has approximately 750 homes along his route, and if each donated a dollar or an item it would go along way. And don't be concerned about overfilling his truck with donations. He says, if needed, he'll work with the postmaster to lighten the load with a mid-route pick-up. That's something that has they've done in the past. Participation is quite simple, place a bag with non-expired and non-perishable food in or on your mailbox in time for your regular Saturday delivery. From there, the carriers will do the rest of the work.

Published on 05/09/2025 under News Construction crews will be working on a summer-long Highway 8 north of Tomahawk, with the project set to begin next week. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, they'll be working on a segment of Highway 8 between McCord Road and County Road L. Work includes repaving, widening the asphalt shoulders, adding thermoplastic pavement markings at four additional snowmobile crossings. and replacing an existing railroad crossing. Additional details are available on the DoT website. American Asphalt has been selected as the prime contractor of the $2 million project. Work is scheduled to begin next Thursday, and will run through the summer. They're hoping to finish up by October.

Published on 05/09/2025 under News Officials continue to stress safety as wildfire conditions remain elevated here in Northern Wisconsin. The recent warm weather with low humidity and a lack of precipitation, has led to a higher risk for a fire. That's coupled with the foliage still coming out of winter dormancy. All week long the northern half of the state has been listed in either high or very high fire danger. Those reports are issued daily, each morning by the DNR. The DNR has also suspended their burning permits at this time. People are encouraged to be mindful of any activities that can cause a spark. First and foremost, avoid debris burning, typically the leading cause of wildfires. Other common ways include campfires or grills, dragging trailer chains, recreational vehicles, and equipment such as chainsaws and lawnmowers.

Published on 05/09/2025 under News A group of Tomahawk High School vocalists earned top marks at the state competition. The Hatchets had 8 musicians qualify for the WSMA State Music Festival held on the UW-Stevens Point Campus. Scoring First Division rankings were Ella Hilgendorf and Sadie Ruder for their respective solos and Julia Fries and Madeline Long for their duet. Finishing with Second Division scores were the solo performances of Galen Schmidt, Cedar Hoffman, Ella Hilgendorf, Greta Kurth, and the duet of Hilgendorf and Scarlet McKenzie. Instructor Corey Colburn noted, "Each soloist or duet gave their strongest performance so far..."Colburn added, the THS music faculty is 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." Between the concert band and chamber choir, THS has approximately 70 students involved in their music ensembles.

Published on 05/09/2025 under News It was an excited day in Park Falls...after more than two years of planning and construction, the new Flambeau River YMCA facility held a ceremonial grand opening. The facility has actually been open for a few weeks now and they've already got more than 400 members. Yesterday's events gave the community a chance to celebrate and check out the new facility, while those instrumental in the project had time to reflect. They also had a special guest on hand, Governor Tony Evers made a visit to Park Falls to help with the ribbon cutting. The project was funded, in part, by a $5.6 million state grant through the Neighborhood Investment Fund. Evers said, "I'm excited to help celebrate the grand opening of this new YMCA facility that is going to help support local families, provide a community space, and ensure the Park Falls community can continue to grow and thrive." He also highlighted plans for a childcare center at the facility, which has been an area of focus for his administration. The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting was part of a day-long community celebration.

Published on 05/09/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad was no-hit and shut out in Minocqua Thursday, losing 11-0. The Hatchets also struggled mightily in the field, committing five errors and allowing only three earned runs. The T-Birds got on the Hatchets early on, putting seven on the scoreboard in the first inning. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-10 on the season and 2-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will hit the road this weekend for an invite in Gilman. Tomahawk's two games will be against Pacelli and Edgar.

Published on 05/08/2025 under News While their next production isn't coming until fall, the Tomahawk Community Theater is staying busy. The Tomahawk Community Theater group was established four years ago as a way for those interested in the fine arts to connect and create. On Wednesday, we were joined by two of the founding members Terry Bucaro and Jim Wise about some of their upcoming events. Before looking forward, Bucaro looked back; recapping their past efforts including three productions, two children's theater camps, a talent show and an antiques show. She said the Tomahawk Community Theater has greatly exceeded her expectations. Wise added, "It's been a fun run, a positive thing and the community really seems to enjoy it." Up next, they're planning an Open House next weekend with a number of goals in mind. Bucaro explained that it's a thank you event, an informational opportunity, and a membership drive all rolled into one. People will be able to come and go throughout the afternoon to learn more about the Tomahawk Community Theater, as well as ways to support the group or or get involved. Wise said participating in the theater isn't just for the actors on stage; noting there are more people involved behind-the-scenes from stage crew and set design to outreach and fundraising. During the visit, Bucaro also teased the Children's Summer Theater Workshop which will be held in early-July. Interested 5th-8th graders will have a chance to audition next month. As for the Open House, the Tomahawk Community Theater is teaming up with Sideways in Downtown Tomahawk. It'll be next Sunday, May 18 from 1pm to 5pm. We'll offer up a reminder as that date approaches. And the conversation with Terry and Jim is available in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 05/08/2025 under News May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and area dermatologists are teaching the ABC's of melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma arises from the uncontrolled replication of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigment, transforming them into cancerous cells. Aspirus dermatologist Patrick Kehoe says "Melanoma doesn't discriminate, but individuals with lighter or less pigmented skin face a higher risk." He says the most avoidable risk factor is ultraviolet light exposure. With summer right around the corner, he recommends the regular application of an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, as well as sun-protective clothing. When it comes to melanoma treatment, early detection is key. That means monitoring moles and other skin marks, and that's where the alphabet guide comes in.•A stands for asymmetry and looking for when two halves of a mole don't match. •B for border; an uneven, fuzzy, or notched circumference •C refers to color, the presence of multiple or unusual shades or hues •D stands for diameter, and moles larger than a pencil eraser •and finally E for evolution; meaning any change in appearance over time. If you detect any of these signs, Kehoe recommends speaking your provider to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Published on 05/08/2025 under News Access was a challenge during a fire response in Oneida County earlier this week. The brush fire was reported Tuesday evening on Antigo Island in the Town of Pelican Lake. The Pelican Lake Fire District requested the additional resources from neighboring agencies including manpower, portable pumps and boats to reach the island. They were able to utilize the boats to ferry both firefighters and equipment out to the scene. Once the transportation logistics were worked out, crews were able to contain the fire while keeping it from spreading it to the nearby structures. They were on the scene for approximately three hours. Based on the preliminary investigation, the fire started when a large tree fell onto a overhead power line. -Photo from Pine Lake Fire and Rescue

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