Sawyer County committee agrees to revisit Hayward site for veterans memorial

The Sawyer County Administrative Committee on Tuesday agreed to revisit a previously proposed parcel in Hayward as a potential site for a county veterans memorial and asked staff to return next month with updated price information and a cleaner concept drawing.

Committee members discussed a veterans survey and feedback from the American Legion post, which indicated a preference for a low‑maintenance, high‑visibility tribute rather than a park-style memorial. Committee members said the Hayward site had drawn the most interest but acknowledged that earlier concerns about parcel size, cost and overlapping city reconfiguration plans remain.

Committee members asked acting co-administrator Mike Markran to recontact the parcel owner to determine whether the price is negotiable and to explore alternative sites. The committee also asked for a refined conceptual drawing to present at the next meeting and said it would continue to solicit other site suggestions across the county.

Several committee members expressed concern that the parcel might be too small for broader uses, and that Hayward’s pending redevelopment plans could require relocation or removal of any installation placed on city-owned or city-influenced property. Committee members said easements or long-term agreements would be necessary if a memorial were placed on property subject to future city plans.

The committee did not commit to a purchase; instead it approved staff follow-up to check price flexibility, prepare a site sketch, and return with more complete information at the next meeting.

Ending: The committee left the item on the agenda for additional review and invited members of the public and local veterans’ groups to suggest alternative locations before the next meeting.