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Tomahawk Board of Public Works Recap: Officials Continue to Explore PFAS Treatment System Published on 10/29/2025 under News

Communities continue to address the man-made forever chemicals known as PFAS, including Tomahawk which has seen elevated levels.

Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. City officials have been researching mitigation steps, and earlier this year hired engineering firm MSA to conduct a feasibility study.

Last month, the Board of Public Works received a summary of the report. It included a half dozen options which could be grouped into two categories, building new wells or building a treatment facility.

At their meeting last night, the board began to focus on potentially constructing a treatment plant. This was determined to be the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. Specifically it would be a 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility.

The project carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. There are funding sources available that could cover up to half the construction costs through the state's Safe Drinking Water Loan program. With more stringent testing and PFAs standards likely on the way, the Board members did note that pursuing the funding early would likely increase the odds of receiving the most dollars.

To apply by next June's deadline, there is some design work and pilot testing required. The Board recommended beginning that process. Looking further down the timeline, the grants recipients would be announced next fall, at which point the city could put out bids for the project by 2027.

Other Notes from Meeting

Safety concerns led to minor changes for a planned winter decoration in Tomahawk. In September, organizers of Hometown Christmas proposed placing a ten foot tall artificial snowman in a boulevard along South Tomahawk Avenue. That segment is also part of State Highway 86 which requires notification to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. While the decision was ultimately up to the city, the DoT did share some concerns with the placement and size of the snowman as originally proposed. This included sight obstruction, distance to the curb, and impacts of snow plowing. Before discussion, the request was amended to feature several smaller snowmen rather than the 10 foot display. The Board approved the amended request on a one year trial basis.

The Board agreed to an updated agreement with Verizon which leases space on the city water tower for some of their antennas and equipment. The provider is changing out some of the equipment which requires notification.

The Board rejected a request from residents on Kings Road to contract the city to clear the sidewalks of snow during the winter.

The Board approved a contract with Cedar Corporation to offer operational assistance at the Waste Water plant while also preparing a Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance or CMOM program.

The Finance Committee renewed the property assessment contract for another two years. The firm has worked with the city for more than a decade.

In Other News

National Medal of Honor Day: Einar Ingman Remembered in Tomahawk

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Today is National Medal of Honor Day, and each year the observance has special meaning here in Tomahawk. The Medal of Honor is awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. Highly exclusive, just 3,500 Americans have received the Medal of Honor, just 64 Wisconsinites. On that list is the late Einar Ingman of Tomahawk. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a result of his actions in Korea on February 26, 1951. Ingman took charge of two squads after their leaders were wounded. He then single-handedly took out two machine gun emplacements, while suffering numerous injuries. He was later awarded with several of the country's highest honors including the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. Einar passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in the Tomahawk Community. Einar Ingman Parkway leads motorists into the Tomahawk community, the VFW shares his name, and most recently the Post Office was named in his honor in 2021. The Tomahawk VFW and Auxiliary are hosting a small ceremony to honor Ingman Thursday morning at 10am at Veteran's Memorial Park. Another Medal of Honor recipient with Northwoods ties is Oscar Peterson, who was born in Prentice and went on to serve in World War II. He died in action in the Philippine islands and was awarded a posthumous award.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News A growing effort to support and connect seniors across Lincoln County is taking shape with an opportunity to learn more this weekend. The Northwoods Senior Empowerment Project is hosting a community breakfast Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Merrill Eagles Club. Organizer Eileen Guthrie says the group formed out of earlier advocacy efforts tied to People for Pine Crest, and has since expanded by connecting with residents and organizers facing similar concerns. Guthrie says those conversations revealed a range of issues impacting seniors across the Northwoods including access to healthcare, affordable housing, and transportation. She says transportation, in particular, continues to rise to the top, as many older adults give up driving but still need reliable ways to reach medical appointments in places like Wausau or Rhinelander. Saturday's event will begin with a light breakfast, followed by presentations from local and regional experts. Speakers include representatives from the Aging and Disability Resource Center, the Merrill Housing Authority, and a journalist who has spent the past year reporting on policy issues affecting seniors in Wisconsin. After the presentations, organizers plan to open the floor for discussion, giving attendees a chance to share their own experiences, identify gaps in services, and suggest possible solutions. Guthrie says the goal is not just conversation, but action—bringing people together to better advocate for senior needs at the local and county level. The event is free and open to seniors, caregivers, and family members, with a suggested one-dollar donation to the Merrill food pantry. Organizers say they hope the gathering is just the beginning of a broader, ongoing effort to improve quality of life for seniors throughout the region. They do ask the people RSVP for planning purposes. Call 715-921-2258 or 262-394-6649 or go to actionnetwork.org/events/northwoods-senior-breakfast

Published on 03/25/2026 under News One person was injured in a UTV accident in Oneida County Tuesday. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, responders were notified of a UTV on the edge of Lake Kaubashine in the Town of Hazelhurst. The initial call indicated the machine was still running, but no signs of the operator. Upon arrival, they located the operator trapped underneath the UTV. According to the report, medical personnel removed the individual from under the UTV and performed CPR. The individual was brought to a nearby hospital by ambulance and airlifted for further medical evaluation. No further update on the condition of the victim was provided. The release did not say what caused the operator to become pinned underneath the machine.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News With wildfire season right around the corner in Wisconsin, and teams in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are once again fighting fire with fire. When opportunities arise, their crews are planning to complete some prescribed burns in strategic locations with the forest lands. Simulating naturally occurring fires, these efforts help reduce thick, overgrown vegetation and dead or downed trees which can fuel fires. They also play a key role in resetting the ecosystem, improving animal habitat, and allowing the reemergence of native plants. The Forest has locations of planned burns listed on their website, nearly two dozen in all. Because the conditions have to be just right, a schedule with dates isn't available. They provide updates via social media. Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Wausau residents had the opportunity to improve home fire safety during a community event hosted by the American Red Cross Tuesday. The "Sound the Alarm" saw volunteers going door-to-door in targeted neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms and share fire prevention tips. The effort is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which focuses on reducing fire-related injuries and deaths through education and preparedness. During the visits, volunteers helped families check or install smoke alarms and provided guidance on creating fire escape plans and understanding common causes of home fires. Local officials say working smoke alarms remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives, cutting the risk of death in a home fire by about half. The Red Cross says similar programs are available year-round for residents who may have missed Tuesday's event, and volunteers and donations continue to play a key role in supporting fire prevention efforts across Wisconsin.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Aspirus is looking to recruit skilled nurses, and they're bringing their search online. Aspirus Health is kicking off the first of two Indeed Virtual Hiring Events this afternoon, specifically targeting Registered Nurses. Talent Representative Ahna Hanke says the digital format streamlines the process, allowing applicants to explore positions and schedule interviews instantly. Some roles even include sign-on bonuses. From Noon to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, candidates can interview remotely for full-time RN roles in ICU, Surgery, Emergency, and Medical/Surgical units across Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Minocqua, and Eagle River. If you miss today's session, a second event is scheduled for April 9th focusing on Certified Medical Assistants and LPNs. To participate, job seekers must register online at aspirus.org/careers to receive their virtual login instructions.

Published on 03/25/2026 under Sports The post season honors continue to file in for the Hatchet Hockey team after the 2025-26 season. Jonah Dickens was a unanimous 1st Team All Great Northern Conference selection and Player of the Year. Jett Reilly joined Dickens on the 1st Team as a unanimous choice at forward. Brayden Lamer was selected 1st Team All Conference as a defenseman. Tomahawk had two 2nd Team All Conference selections; Jake Albert on defense and Landyn Seymour at forward. Rounding out the all conference honorees were Beau Stromberg (forward) and Rex Reilly (defense). Jonah Dickens, Jett Reilly, and Brayden Lamer were all named to the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association All State First Team. Dickens and Reilly were honored as forwards and Lamer was named as a defenseman. Also being honored as a 2nd-Team All-State Defenseman is Sophomore Jake Albert. In addition, Dickens, Reilly, Lamer, and Albert were also selected to represent Wisconsin at the CCM National Invitational Tournament in Minnesota. Dickens was selected to be a part of the Senior NIT Team. Lamer was selected as a member of the NP 18 NIT Team. Reilly and Albert as members of the Sophomore NIT Team. The Team Wisconsin NIT events will begin April 23 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Team Wisconsin will be playing all star teams from Wisconsin, Michigan and North Dakota.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News With spring returning to the Northwoods, tick activity will be picking back up. Researchers are once again asking for the public's help tracking them. The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is kicking off its third year of the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science, or TICS, encouraging residents to submit ticks they find while working or enjoying the outdoors. Researchers say the data helps them better understand where ticks are found and the risks of tick-borne illnesses. The project has already seen strong participation, with nearly 6,000 ticks collected in each of the first two years. A majority of submissions were identified as the common wood tick, followed by the smaller deer tick, of concern due to carrying Lyme disease and other infections. They've also identified less common species, including some typically found in warmer climates like the lone star tick. Beyond collecting ticks, researchers are expanding the project this year to include personal stories from people impacted by tick-borne illnesses. It is aimed at engaging individuals who have experienced Lyme or another tick-infection to tell their story, and individuals can share as little or as much as they feel comfortable sharing. Collection kits are available through the Research Institute, at various Marshfield Clinic locations, and even partnering with some public parks and recreation areas. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted. We've already received some listener reports of tick activity in Lincoln County this year. In addition to the TICS project, officials also reminded people about tick prevention including repellents, protective clothing, and tick checks after coming inside after being in wooded or brushy areas.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner and the DoT continues to announce projects, with the latest here in Lincoln County. Governor Tony Evers has approved a $450,000 project for improvements to the Highway 86/County D overpass at Highway 51 in Tomahawk. The project includes resurfacing the bridge, along with the replacement of guardrails and updated drainage. Contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. will handle the project. The work will require a temporary closure of Highway 86 overpass between the US 51 ramps. Drivers will be detoured using County A or County S interchanges. Work is actually set to begin next week. Construction is expected to wrap up by June, though the timeline will depend on weather and overall progress. Information can be found on the DoT project webpage.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News While the Northwoods snowmobile season had a brief return, it didn't last long. The Oneida County Forestry Department announced the closure of the Oneida County snowmobile trail system for the remainder of the season as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Trails had briefly reopened last week following fresh snowfall, giving snowmobilers an extra week of riding. But warming conditions have once again forced the trail closure, now for the season. In the announcement, they thanked local snowmobile clubs and volunteers for their work throughout the season, helping keep trails safe and well maintained. Riders were also thanked for supporting local businesses. As of this morning, no announcement has been made regarding the Vilas County trails, though local clubs reported rapidly deteriorating conditions.

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