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Tomahawk Main Street Hosting Friday the 13th Ghost Walk

Published on 03/12/2026 under News Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, and Downtown Tomahawk will embrace the spooky spirit. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Historical Society are teaming up to host a Ghost Walk. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz and Historical Society president Pat Pietila to discuss the partnership and tomorrow's event. The Ghost Walk is a spooky spin on the Toma-Walk, a historical walking tour through the district. Turkiewicz noted during their research they heard a lot of stories about the supernatural. They reached out to the community and received plenty of feedback. The inaugural edition of the Ghost Walk will feature four stops within the Main Street District with a guided tour, discussions, and even the use of some paranormal equipment. They noted during a trial run, the detectors had some unusual readings. The event concludes at Sideways with an opportunity for participants to share their own campfire ghost stories. The Ghost Walk is a part of a growing partnership between the two organizations. It serves as a fundraiser for their planned Downtown Tomahawk Historical Marker. Pietila explained that once approved by state officials, would go in the boulevard on the north side of the intersection at Wisconsin and Tomahawk. In fact, they teased two additional fundraising events in the works, that they will be announcing shortly. As for the Ghost Walk, that's coming up Friday evening. Registration will take place at the Tomahawk Main Street Office at 4:30. It is an adult-focused event, and the ticket includes a drink at Sideways as well. Tickets are $15. The Ghost Walk is the first of two weekend events in Tomahawk Main Street. Saturday marks the return of the Easter Egg-stravaganza. We'll offer a preview of the kids activities on the Friday morning show.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District has found their next high school principal. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved the hiring of Brad Potter to fill the principal vacancy. He is expected to join the district in July, though he won't have to travel far. Potter has more than two decades of experience in the Merrill School District, the first half as a teacher; the last ten as an associate principal. In the announcement, the district said Potter's experience, leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement make him an excellent fit for the district. Potter says he's excited to join the Tomahawk School District and the "Hatchet Community." He added, ""Great schools are built on strong relationships, shared purpose, and a commitment to continuous learning. I look forward to partnering with our staff, students, and families to keep pushing forward, finding new ways to support every learner and ensuring that every student is truly ready for life." District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry discussed the hire during his visit to the WJJQ studios for the morning conversation including a unique opportunity for some students to take part in the interview process. The district also hopes to have an opportunity for the community to meet Potter this summer. The district has been operating with an interim principal in the high school since early December.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News The Spring election is right around the corner, with voters deciding on a number of local races. The cities of Merrill and Rhinelander have competitive mayoral races on the ballot. Coming up this evening, both communities will offer an opportunity for residents to get to know the candidates. In Merrill, current mayor Steve Hass is being challenged by former mayor Derek Woellner. The League of Women Voter's of the Northwoods is facilitating this evening's event. The organization wrote, "Candidate forums give voters the opportunity to compare candidates' priorities, hear their views on local issues, and participate directly in the democratic process." That forum will take place at 6:30 pm. at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill. And up in Rhinelander, mayor Kris Hanus faces city council member Thomas Barnett. The Rhinelander Candidate Forum will take place at 7:00pm at the Nicolet College Theater. Kate Ferrel, Nicolet College President, "As a community college, we are dedicated to strengthening democracy right here at home. We are proud to host the mayoral candidates to discuss the issues that matter most to Rhinelander residents…" Both forums will have alternative viewing opportunities for those that can't attend. The Merrill Forum will be streamed on YouTube, while the Rhinelander forum will be re-broadcast on WJFW Channel 12 on Sunday.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner, and another Highway 51 project here in the Northwoods is on the docket. Governor Tony Evers announced a $1.2 million project to improve Highway 51 in Minocqua between the Lake Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. According to the announcement, the work will focus on repairing deteriorating concrete pavement, rebuilding pedestrian curb ramps, and replacing pavement markings. A main corridor of summer travel in the Northwoods, officials say at least one lane of Highway 51 will remain open in each direction throughout the project. Access to homes and businesses will also be maintained. Construction is scheduled to begin March 30 and will likely run through October. Before work begins, the public will have a chance to learn more at a construction information meeting next Monday at 6pm at the Minocqua Public Library. The DoT previously announced a separate Highway 51 project near Tomahawk. Crews will be working on the segment of Highway 51 between Highway 8 and County L. That work will begin next month.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News From drinking water to water recreation, high quality H2O plays a vital role across Wisconsin. All week long stakeholders including local health departments and environmental agencies are celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week. Throughout the campaign the groups are educating the public through collaboration and outreach efforts. Data shows that more than 70% of Wisconsinites utilize ground water for drinking water source, one in three use private wells. As part of this week's efforts, officials including local health departments are encouraging residents test their wells on a regular basis. The Oneida County Health Department is even offering a discount on testing kits this week. Experts recommend testing well water for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year, and checking for arsenic and lead every five years, with additional tests depending on local conditions. Meanwhile, the DNR is encouraging residents take steps around the home to protect this crucial natural resource. Among the suggestions: practice water conservation, fix leaks, use native plants and eco-friendly landscaping, and properly dispose of harmful waste to keep chemicals out of the water system. This can include oil, pool chemicals, and even unused prescription medications. Groundwater Awareness Week was first established in 1999 to highlight the responsible management and protection of groundwater, and to recognize the professionals who help ensure safe drinking water supplies.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander will show off their creativity this evening during a special game design showcase. The Game Design and Development Lab is part of the Culture Tap Artist Residency Program, a local partnership of the district community education program, Nicolet College, and ArtStart. This is the fourth year the district has offered this opportunity. Over the past two months, around two dozen middle and high school students have been meeting after school to design and build their own physical or digital games. Working in teams under the guidance of software engineer Jeremy Nikolai, the students took their initial concepts and created playable demos. Community education coordinator Mike Cheslock says, "It's wonderful that we are able to offer this opportunity to students who are interested in gaming, coding, art, and creativity." Coming up this evening the students will explain and demonstrate their games for the public. That showcase will take place in the Nicolet College Theater from 6pm to 7:30.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Boys Basketball Team Season Comes to an End in Playoff Opener

Published on 03/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' basketball squad's season would come to an end Tuesday night in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Playoffs, losing at Peshtigo, 81-43. The Hatchets would surrender 45 first half points and had a hard time slowing down the dynamic duo of Dominic Baxter and Levi Hodgins. Colton Seslar and Ryan Montag tied for the team lead in scoring with ten points a piece. Logan Norman would finish with eight points for the Hatchets. Tomahawk finishes the 2025-26 season with a 2-23 record and an 0-14 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate six seniors from their roster. They are Seslar, Norman, Jerry Johnson, Jason Watkins, Edwin Riese, and Niklas Nelson.

Published on 03/01/2026 under Sports At the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, both Hatchet wrestlers would bow out in the consolation brackets. Kylie Peissig would bow out in the consolation quarterfinals to Wausau West's Aleeah Le. Peissig started off the tournament losing by fall to Winneconne's Addison Brown Thursday. Peissig would win her first consolation match of Horicon's Keleigh Holl. Kami Gabrich would go winless at the State Tournament. Gabrich lost in the first round to Janesville Parker's Katie Kent. She then would lose to Holmen's Avalee Euler in the first round of the consolation brackets.

Published on 02/25/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Girls' Basketball season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night at the Hatchet House, losing to Spooner, 50-46. The Hatchets were unable to overcome Freya Alberg and Lizzy Arnott fouling out of the game late in the second half. In her final High School game, Alberg finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Anita Ziert also finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points and hauling down 11 boards. Tomahawk finishes the 2025-26 season with a 12-13 record and a 6-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate one senior from their team, Freya Alberg, who will be playing College Ball next year at Grinnell College in Iowa.

Published on 02/20/2026 under Sports On Thursday night, the Hatchet Hockey Team traveled to Hudson for a WIAA Regional Final game. The host Raiders are the #1 seed in Sectional One and also the top ranked division one team in Wisconsin. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead on Tomahawk, scoring six minutes into the game on an even strength goal. Then with 7:21 remaining in the first, Hudson scored another even strength goal to lead 2-0. The Raiders would add their third goal of the first, 00:22 later and led 3-0. The Hatchets would respond with their first goal of the game, with 5:51 left in the first, Jonah Dickens scored on a power play goal from the high slot. The Dickens goal was assisted by Brayden Lamer and Jake Albert. No more scoring would occur, and Hudson led Tomahawk 3-1 after one. The Raiders out-shot Tomahawk 21-5 in the first period and Hudson Seymour had numerous huge saves to keep Tomahawk in it. The second period would see two goals for each team, with Hudson scoring 00:47 in on a power play and led 4-1. Tomahawk would respond when Jake Albert hit Jett Reilly on a stretch pass, Reilly would bury the puck and the Hatchets cut the lead to 4-2. Hudson came back with an even strength goal a minute and a half later to regain a three goal advantage. Tomahawk would close out the scoring on a nifty goal from Cole Peterson with just 00:07 remaining. The Peterson goal was assisted by Beau Stromberg. The Raiders led 5-3 after two. The Raiders again out-shot Tomahawk 15-6. Tomahawk would come out firing in the third period, scoring just 00:15 in to cut the deficit to 5-4. Brayden Lamer with a snipe from the left face-off dot. Just over three minutes later, Jonah Dickens scored his second of the night and Tomahawk tied it at five apiece. The goal assisted by Jett Reilly. Dickens would complete his hat trick 3:30 later at the 7:04 mark of the third on a power play goal. That goal assisted by Lamer and Albert. Tomahawk scoring four unanswered goals to get a 6-5 lead with 9:54 remaining in the game. Hudson would respond with three unanswered goals to advance in the playoffs. The Raiders got a power play goal with just 2:26 remaining in the game to tie it 6-6. The Raiders took the lead, 7-6 00:57 later and would add an empty net goal with under 00:40 to play for the 8-6 win. Shots were even, 7-7 in the third. Jonah Dickens (three goals), Brayden Lamer (one goal, 2 assists) and Jake Albert (three assists) all had three points, Jett Reilly had two points (one goal, one assist), while Cole Peterson had a goal and Beau Stromberg had an assist. It was an exciting game as Tomahawk's season comes to an end with a 22-4 record. The Hatchets are champions of the Great Northern Conference for the third straight year finishing 10-0 in league play. Hudson advances to the sectionals and will host Superior on Tuesday. The Spartans defeated Eau Claire Memorial to advance. The Hatchets graduate from the program Jonah Dickens, Brody Hilgendorf, Rex Reilly, Beau Stromberg, Caiden Reichelt, Landyn Seymour, and Michael Samundsen (pictured above).

Published on 02/18/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Hockey squad would dominate in the WIAA Division 1 Regional Semifinal Tuesday night at Hobbs Municipal Ice Center in Eau Claire Tuesday night, defeating Eau Claire North, 7-1. The Hatchets won by peppering Husky Goalie Carson Ivey, notching 48 total shots. Five different Hatchets would put goals on the board. Brayden Lamer and Landyn Seymour would each notch two goals on the night. Jett Reilly would finish with one goal and five assists. Jonah Dickens would have a goal and two assists on the night. The win improves Tomahawk's record to 22-3 on the season. The Hatchets will head back out on the road Thursday night for the WIAA Division 1 Regional Final at #1 Hudson. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:35 and opening faceoff at 7:00 from the Hudson Civic Sports Center.

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