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Tomahawk Finance Committee Continues Year-Long Discussion on City Properties Published on 08/19/2025 under News

The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee continued their ongoing discussions related to city-owned properties. It's been a year-long, and relatively slow effort to determine if some of their properties would be better off sold or otherwise returned to the private sector.

At last night's meeting, the committee discussed some of the properties that have proven challenging to determine a path forward for a variety of reasons.

That includes a vacant parcel on Pine Avenue long-thought to belong to the city, and no taxes have been paid on the property. Further complicating the matter is former ownership from a corporation that no longer exists, a lawsuit related to a similar, adjacent property, as well as some neighborly disagreements related to maintenance of the property over the years. In the end, Committee Chair Mickey Loka noted that this particular property would remain status quo until the committee receives definitive information on ownership.

Equally challenging are numerous river front properties deeded to the city through the Bradley Corporation more than a century ago. The committee has had ongoing discussions about whether the city can sell or lease the property based on the covenant as well as state statute. The city attorney sat in on last night's meeting to provide some clarifications, however the status of these lands remains up in the air.

There were a couple of parcels that will be posted for bid in the coming days including on Highway 86 and Deer Park Road. Bids are due ahead of a special Finance meeting to be scheduled prior to September Council meeting.

In Other News

Lincoln County 2026 Budget Work Continues; Now Balanced

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Lincoln County has the preliminary budget balanced, though work is expected to continue on next year's spending plan before final approval. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors received an update on the 2026 budget along with some comments from Finance Director Heather Marheine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse. The finance team was able to close an approximately $1.2 million gap from the first draft of the budget that was presented to the board in June.Among major factors was a reduction in the funding related to Pine Crest for both operations and maintenance. The County agreed to sell the skilled nursing facility to a private provider. DePasse says their work on the budget is ongoing and specifically highlighted the capital improvement fund. The updated spending plan including a large boost for roads. According to the document presented at last night's meeting, the roads fund would jump from $2 million this year to $2.8 million next year. Board Chair Jesse Boyd praised the Finance team for their ongoing work. Last year, the full board didn't receive a balanced budget until October. The final budget is typically approved at the November Board meeting.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News A short, but inconvenient detour for ATV/UTV riders in the Nokomis area will soon be a thing of the past. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board updated the County's ordinance related to UTV routes. The lone change was to open the segment of County L that runs underneath the railroad tressle just north of County N in the Town of Bradley. When the County first opened up roads to ATV/UTV traffic, the segment below the bridge remained closed. This pushed riders onto an alternate route on County N and Heafford Road. With the existing route, there had been some safety concerns, as the riders were forced to exit and re-enter traffic on County L. It was also inconvenient for those utilizing businesses along that corridor. There was minimal discussion before the supervisors approved the ordinance change by voice vote. Once the processing and posting is complete, all of County L in Lincoln and Oneida Counties should be open to ATV/UTVs.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News There's plenty of incentive to head down to WaWui bingo this evening with a special promotion and a growing pot of prize money. First up, it is WJJQ night at bingo. That means our very own Gregg Albert will be on the microphone calling numbers for the evening. Even if you don't score a bingo, you may walk away with some gear from the Big Q. And if that doesn't get you out, WaWui says their Blackout Progressive Game has topped $4,000 if you can cover your card before the assigned number. As always, WaWui bingo proceeds go to support operations and improvements at the SARA Park building. Cards on sale at 6 and games begin at 7pm, all at SARA Park.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News While they didn't claim top spot, a trail accessibility project up in Oneida County was recently recognized by state leaders. The work was on a comprehensive guide of accessible trails in Oneida County that featured GIS data, detailed photos and videos of the trails, amenities, terrain and other features. It was aimed at helping all users, but especially those with mobility concerns feel confident and informed before arriving to utilize the trails. Completing the project was a team effort that included the various Oneida County-based Chambers and Visitors Bureaus, snowmobile and ATV/UTV clubs, law enforcement, and many volunteers. And that partnership was nominated for the Governor's Tandem Award for Collaboration earlier this year. While a runner-up, it was still a project worth celebrating. Jacqui Sharpe doubles as Chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council and Executive Director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. She says, "This collaboration blends technology, community energy, and inclusive design to make outdoor recreation in Oneida County more welcoming and sustainable." Sharpe added that their collaboration can serve as a model for other rural areas to elevate their trail system, as it established a new, inclusive standard for how trails are documented, maintained, and promoted. Photo provided by Oneida County Tourism Council: Krystal Westphal of the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau; Jacqui Sharpe of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau; and Lauren Sackett of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate their nomination.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Officials gathered at Lake Wausau Tuesday for a groundbreaking on a project to modernize the century-old Rothschild Dam. According to Domtar Paper Company, the upgrades to the 276 foot Timber Crib Spillway will help the dam continue to serve surrounding communities. Steve Henry, Domtar's president of paper and packaging says, "By modernizing the Rothschild Dam, we support public safety, help preserve Lake Wausau's recreation economy and offer reliable flood control infrastructure for decades." The project will receive $42 million in state funding. Governor Tony Evers and State Senator Mary Felzkowski were among those on hand for the groundbreaking. Henry added, "None of this happens without partnerships, and today is about celebrating the mutual success of Wisconsin's workforce and this wonderful region. " Domtar is expected to invest $100 million in North Central Wisconsin via its Rothschild and Nekoosa manufacturing operations over the next three years. Construction crews have begun their work. It will include the installation of two temporary cofferdams which will allow workers safe and dry access to begin the demolition of the Timber Crib Spillway — is expected to begin soon. The entire project is tentatively scheduled for completion by February 2029. Domtar has a website with information.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Fall is right around the corner, and a number of hunting seasons in Wisconsin will open. The DNR is reminding those planning on heading out into the field to sign up for a hunter safety course. These courses, required for anyone born after 1973 to hunt in Wisconsin, are credited with greatly improving Wisconsin's safe hunting record. On average, more than 20,000 people complete a Wisconsin hunter education course each year. Over the year's the DNR has expanded the ways that a participant can obtain their certificate. This includes the traditional in-person classes under the guidance of a certified instructor. In recent years they've introduced a hybrid course that includes online classwork paired with an in-person field day. The final method, introduced during the pandemic, is an entirely online offering, which is currently available to adults only. Additional information and courses are available on the DNR website.

Published on 08/19/2025 under News Statistics show volunteer make up approximately 65% of all firefighters. For rural areas like Northern Wisconsin that ratio is even higher, and Monday was set aside to recognize these individuals. August 18 is Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their community. To help out these helpers, the Council teamed up with State Farm to offer Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety grants to 150 agencies around the country including one right here in the Northwoods. Minocqua Volunteer Fire and Rescue was one of of eight Wisconsin agencies selected to receive a $10,000 grant. The Council described the grants as a life-line for local departments allowing them to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. Funds have been used to purchase a wide variety of necessities including safety gear, rescue tools, and communication devices. This is the second year for this program.

Published on 08/19/2025 under News Bird migration is already underway for some species including the chimney swift. The DNR and the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group are asking volunteers to county these unique birds as they cross the state on their way to South America. According to the agency, during migration, the chimney swift becomes communal, gathering in the hundreds or even thousands in the evening to roost in old chimneys. These flocks are seen in northern Wisconsin in mid-August. Unfortunately chimney swift numbers have been on the decline. The partners note that monitoring populations and identifying roosting sites can help protect the species. Rich Staffen, Wisconsin DNR conservation biologist says that you don't need to be a bird expert to participate in the survey, simply monitor chimneys at dusk and enter the count in their online tracker. There's an event in Wausau next Monday. In addition to the county, they are also hosting an informational discussion on chimney swifts as part of the Mighty Migration series. It's at 7pm Tuesday evening and will be held via Zoom.

Published on 08/19/2025 under News From sunsets to the Northern Lights, the Friends of Council Grounds had plenty of fantastic submissions for their annual photo contest. Now the public can help determine the best of the best. The photo competition is hosted by the park's Friends Group each summer. Earlier this year, they put out a call for pictures snapped at the park over the past two years. Like previous contests, park goers submitted a creative mix of snapshots including people using the park, landscapes, plants, and animals. The organizers were able to narrow down the field, choosing three photos in each category. Now they're turning the judging over to the public. Simply visit the Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page before the end of the month. Each category has it's own post (made August 15th so you may have to scroll back). Vote by 'liking' your favorite photo, and remember only one vote per category.

Published on 08/19/2025 under News One person was injured following a weekend crash east of Tomahawk. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, responders were called to Highway 17 near Braun Road in the Town of Harrison on Friday for a single vehicle crash. Deputies determined a northbound vehicle left the roadway and rolled. According to the report, speed was a likely factor. The driver, a 28 year old man from Rhinelander was transported to Aspirus Rhinelander hospital with a significant, but non-life-threatening injury. The crash is still under investigation. A few other quick notes from this week's Sheriff's Report… • A 51 year old Merrill man was taken in for disorderly conduct along with bail jumping and probation violations after several disturbance calls around Merrill including at Council Grounds and a restaurant. • A 51 year old Tomahawk woman was arrested for domestic battery following an argument that turned physical. • A 28 year old Merrill man was taken in for first offense OWI following a traffic stop for speeding. • The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down this week with just 4 reported on Lincoln County roadways. There was another vehicle versus bear strike as well.

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