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New YMCA Facility in Park Falls Opening April 16 Published on 02/11/2025 under News

After more than two years of planning and construction, the new YMCA facility in Park Falls is nearing the finish line. They've set a tentative opening date of April 16.

Executive Director Scott Schultz hopped on Facebook Live for the announcement. He said, "We're very, very excited. To think about how far we've come since February 2022 when the announcement came out, to today being able to share an opening date."

The YMCA project has been part of a revitalization of the downtown Park Falls area, they've been re-purposing the former City Hall building into a Y facility.

Schultz also provided some project updates, noting they'll be wrapping up major construction work over the next two to three weeks. They'll then transition to finishing tasks like bringing in furniture and equipment. They've also begun the hiring staff.

For those looking to sign up, Schultz says they'll begin a charter membership drive on March 1 which will continue up until the opening.

Schultz also briefly addressed the much anticipated and needed childcare center. He expected that to open mid-summer. It will initially have a capacity of 40 youth, and they've already got a wait list.

The Flambeau River YMCA will be affiliated with the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander. The multi-phase project will include a gym and wellness center, a child care center, and community space.

In Other News

City of Tomahawk Updates Park Reservation Fees

Published on 06/05/2025 under News People renting Tomahawk park facilities will have to pay a bit more going forward. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved a resolution updating the city's park users fees. This covers reservations for ball diamonds, campsites, pavilions, and shelters. The proposal came from the Park and Recreations Committee. The goal was keep prices affordable for users while off-setting some of the costs for operation, maintenance and improvements. For example, the city recently upgraded the campsites at SARA Park which now offer electricity and water. As a result, the price has increased from $30 per night to $50 per night. The city does offer a weekly discount. Ahead of the vote at Tuesday's meeting, it was clarified that any reservations made under the previous fee schedule will be honored. The new prices will be reflected going forward. In addition to the reservations, the resolution also increased the boat launch fees. For daily users, going from $2 to $3; and the seasonal pass went $20 to $30. The Council had minimal discussion before approving the resolution unanimously. The City utilizes an online portal for reservations.

Published on 06/05/2025 under News The Antigo Community is hosting a unique scavenger hunt that also showcases local artists. The interactive summer challenge is a partnership between Antigo Visual Arts and downtown businesses. They've placed 32 original pieces of original art created by local artists across the district. The pieces are inspired by nature in Wisconsin and include paintings, sculptures, and carvings. In addition to checking off their lists, the scavenger hunters also vote for their favorite pieces. Both participants and artists will be eligible for prizes. Marie Benes is leading the organizational efforts for AVA. She says, "This project brings together our vibrant art community and our charming downtown in a fun, interactive way." She added, "It's a win-win for artists, local businesses, and residents looking to enjoy a creative summer stroll." And participants will have the summer to complete the task; winners will be drawn at the Antigo Car Show on August 16. Some of the art featured in the contest will also be auctioned off. Information and entry forms are available on the Antigo Visual Arts website.

Published on 06/05/2025 under News The Raise Your Voice Club in the Tomahawk School District hasn't been around for long, but they're already making a difference. For those unfamiliar, Raise Your Voice is a student organization that focuses on mental health. This past weekend, the Tomahawk chapter teamed up with local partners to host their first annual color run. The event took place Saturday at the Tomahawk School campus. Dozens of students and community members passed through the color stations, which rained down brightly colored powders, while completing the course. And while the color run was all about fun, they also promoted mental health. They invited the Lincoln County Health Department to set up a resource table filled with mental health information and fun summer activities for families. Chapters of Raise Your Voice have been springing up at schools around the Northwoods, with Tomahawk's being formed this past year. In addition to local health departments, the group also works with partners like Aspirus Health and NAMI.

Published on 06/05/2025 under News Last fall, Aspirus and the Wausau Fire Department established a pilot program to help reduce unnecessary 911 calls. Early data shows success. Seen as a proactive care model, the goal of the Community Paramedic Program is to connect patients with long-term support they need before emergencies occur. They focus on identifying individuals who frequently use emergency services and helping them manage the underlying causes in their homes. Matt Kozlowski, Community Paramedic with the Wausau Fire Department says, "The goal is to reach people who are falling through the cracks." He noted, "We're helping patients navigate things like housing, behavioral health, transportation, or just understanding how to take their medication. These may seem small, but they're often the real reasons someone ends up calling 911." The program began with 14 participants. According to Aspirus, they've seen a decrease in 911 calls by 50% among those patients. Kozlowski says, "The results are real. We are making people safer, healthier, and more connected to care." The Wausau Fire Department leads the daily operation while Aspirus provides funding, support, and collaboration. The two partners meet monthly to review. According to the release, additional communities have expressed interest in adopting similar models.

Published on 06/05/2025 under News The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is a hidden gem here in the Northwoods. Coming up this weekend the state will be celebrating it's 100th anniversary. In promoting this weekend's festivities, the DNR provided a little bit of background. The roots of Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest's conservation efforts trace back to 1904 when Wisconsin appointed its first state forester, Edward Merriam Griffith. By 1925 the state forest was established, initially as a way to protect the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Manitowish and Flambeau rivers. It's now the largest public property, spanning more than 236,000 acres. Drawing over three million visitors annually, it is a vital resource for recreation and sustainable forestry. According to the DNR,it stands as a testament to the foresight of early conservationists and the enduring value of Wisconsin's natural heritage. From its rich history rooted in forestry innovation and management to its vital role in conservation and community enrichment, the state forest continues to inspire and welcome visitors. To celebrate the DNR has scheduled a day full of events on Saturday That includes a ceremonial tree planting, tours, educational programs, and even a visit from Smokey Bear. They'll be based out of the Crystal Lake Day Use Area and pavilion in Boulder Junction with activities from 9am to 3pm.

Published on 06/05/2025 under News Throughout the week, we've been talking about safety when the temperatures climb. It's a good reminder to keep kids and pets out of parked vehicles. In direct sunlight the rays can create dangerous heat in a short amount of time. The National Weather Service shared some figures that show just how quickly that can happen. Using a sunny, 80-degree day, like today, as an example, they note that temperatures in a vehicle can climb to more than 120 degrees in less than an hour. Even running a quick errand can see quickly rising temps. On that same 80 degree day, it can rise to more than 100 degrees in less than 20 minutes. Dark colors on the interior of the car may make the temperatures climb higher and faster. While leaving a window cracked may help a little, they note the cooling effects are minimal. Safety officials say the best thing is to simply take children with you whenever you leave the vehicle. For pets, they'll be safest and happiest at home.

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 06/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council continues to explore a levy referendum, but voters wouldn't see a ballot question until next year at the earliest. A levy referendum, if approved by voters, would allow the city to exceed state-imposed levy limits. The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee introduced the topic at their meeting last week, as part of a larger discussion on their ongoing budget challenges. Those conversations continued at a special meeting last night. When they left off last week, the Committee had suggested the possibility of a special election this fall. In further research, they learned that special elections for a levy referendum are not allowed by the state. That means the next opportunity to place a levy referendum on the ballot is next February. Even if approved by voters, a levy increase wouldn't go into effect until 2027. This still leaves the 2026 budget, which the committee members acknowledged will be another difficult challenge. They do hope to begin the process a bit earlier in the calendar this year. At last night's meeting, the committee directed department heads to submit their preliminary budgets by the end of July. As for the levy referendum, the Committee voted to continue down that road. They'll still have to settle on the length and dollar amount, the timeline, and public outreach. They'll also continue to explore other tools to help balance the budget.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The first Wednesday of June is Heat Awareness Day in the State of Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams and health departments are reminding residents and visitors alike to take some time to know how to 'beat the heat.' Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 2 heat-related deaths, and nearly 700 people were treated at hospitals for heat-related illness around the state. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle notes that heat-related illnesses are preventable. He says, "It's important to stay alert to weather conditions and take the steps necessary to keep yourself, your families and pets safe throughout these upcoming warmer months." DHS and ReadyWisconsin shared a few simple reminders. One of the simplest tips, is staying hydrated. They recommend drinking water throughout the day before thirst sets in.During the hottest portions of the day, they recommend avoiding strenuous activities. If you are out and active at these times, take plenty of breaks, seek shade, and dress in loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. We also went over the Lincoln County Cooling Centers earlier this week.Don't forget sunscreen when spending time outdoorsIdentify signs of heat-related illness and get people out of the heat early if they show symptoms like weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. If these problems persist seek medical attention.It's also important to check on vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk is seeking candidates to fill a vacant city council seat. The Council approved the appointment process at Tuesday's meeting. Alderman Ed Nystrom submitted a letter of resignation this past week, effective immediately. The process will begin with an application period for potential candidates in the first district. Mayor Steve Taskay along with the two other alders from that district, Mickey Loka and Pat Haskin, will review the candidates and make a recommendation to the full city council for approval. The appointment runs through next April, at which time a special election will be held to fill the remainder of the term through 2027. Additional details on the appointment will be posted by the city this week.

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