Radisson
Radisson, WI · LATEST NEWS
Sawyer County Record
Winter school referendum approved, Town of Hayward proposal rejected
Winter School District voters on Tuesday Nov. 3 passed an operational funding referendum by a vote of 1,174 ‘Yes’ to 546 ‘No.’ The school, with a current enrollment of approximately 220 students, is facing an $890,000 deficit to balance the budget, driven by declining enrollment and flat state funding. The school district has taken from their fund balance, but that will be depleted by next year. The Nov. 3 referendum asked voters to approve an additional $1.5 million for each of the next four years beginning in 2026-27. Funds would be used for costs associated with school safety, sustaining or updating curriculum and programs, deferred facility maintenance and staffing. According to an information booklet published by the school, “We cannot continue to provide essential programs and curriculum, continue with deferred maintenance projects, hire, develop, and retain quality staff members within the District’s allowable revenue limit.” Town of Hayward Town of Hayward voters rejected a facilities referendum proposal asking if the town should borrow up to $9 million to renovate the existing town hall and build a new fire station and highway department facility, with a vote of 1,067 ‘No’ to 657 ‘Yes.’ Sawyer County Other Sawyer County vote totals from
Sawyer County Record
Hayward Chamber presents annual business, service awards
The Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce held their 26th annual membership awards banquet Thursday Nov. 5 at The Steakhouse & Lodge. The Chamber recognized the outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations whose dedication, leadership and contributions help make the Hayward area a special place to live, work and play. In a speech titled “Keep the Standard High, Hayward,” Chamber Executive Director Chris Ruckdaschel said that “What makes a community special isn’t simply what it has. It’s what its people choose to do with what they have.” Ruckdaschel said that prior to moving here from Indianapolis 11 years ago, “Like so many others, we already loved this area as a vacation destination. We knew about the lakes, the forests, the trails, and the natural beauty. “But what we didn’t fully appreciate at the time was something that I would argue is even more special,” he said: —“The people who make this community what it is. —“The business owners who take risks to pursue their dreams. —“The employees who take pride in their work. —“The volunteers who show up, year after year, without expecting recognition. —“And the organizations and individuals who quietly make a difference in the lives of others. “Sometimes we’re so
Sawyer County Record
Hayward Veteran of Year event honors veterans, supporters
American Legion Post 218 held their annual Veterans Day dinner and recognition program Saturday Nov. 7 at the Hayward Veterans Community Center. They honored Jamie Principe as Veteran of the Year, Theresa Moore as Veterans Auxiliary Member of the Year and Tim Conner for his work with the Sons of the American Legion. Hayward High School graduate and Wisconsin Army National Guard Sgt. Cody Jensen spoke about his service during the current war in the Middle East, as his unit came under fire earlier this year from bomb-carrying Iranian drones while stationed in Bahrain. Jensen enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard combat engineers in January 2009 and served for nine years. He re-enlisted twice starting in 2021. In December 2025, he deployed to Kuwait with Bravo Battery of the 121st Field Artillery in support of Operation Epic Fury. While stationed in Bahrain—a “beautiful country”—in February this year, his unit “took incoming” fire from the enemy, from 200 tactical ballistic missiles and 350 Shahed drones, which are like “flying lawn mowers with 150 pounds of explosives,” Jensen said. “After 230 bunker calls, we stopped counting.” “Thankfully, none of the U.S. service members were killed in action,” Jensen said. “Unfortunately, our
Sawyer County Record
Weather Service predicts above normal winter temps for Hayward
The National Weather Service’s December 2026 through February 2027 winer weather forecast for Hayward points toward a milder than average winter with unpredictable snowfall, heavily driven by a historic “super” El Niño pattern. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the northern tier of the United States—including northern Wisconsin—faces a strong likelihood of experiencing above-average temperatures through February 2027. Overall Trend: Due to one of the strongest El Niño events since 1950, seasonal temperatures are heavily favored to tilt warmer than the typical northern Wisconsin baseline. The Caveat: A “milder winter” in Hayward does not mean a winter without subzero cold. The Farmers’ Almanac notes that the region will still experience fast-moving clippers, sudden snow squalls, and intense bursts of bitter, subzero cold snaps. Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Expect frequent cycling between freezing and thawing conditions, which can lead to ice accumulation and slippery road conditions. Equal Chances Outlook: National forecasters have placed northern Wisconsin in an “equal chances” zone for overall precipitation, meaning there is no strong statistical lean toward a completely dry or abnormally wet winter. Snow Impact: Because temperatures are projected to tilt warmer, the total snowfall may fall slightly below normal due to fewer days being cold enough to