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Smokers, Sauces, and Bragging Rights: Thrilla on the Grilla Returns to Tomahawk

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk transforms into "Rib Town" this weekend as the annual Thrilla on the Grilla returns for its 16th year. Organized by the Tomahawk Lions Club, the popular rib cook-off brings together nine teams of grill masters from local restaurants, businesses, and community organizations. The competitive field includes defending champion LP Building Solutions, which swept all four competition categories in 2025. Among this year's top challengers is Winding Trail Grill and Bar, fresh off its recent "Best Burger in Paradise" title. Teams will spend hours tending smokers and perfecting their recipes to serve up hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs. In addition to the main event, pitmasters will battle in a side dish category, where past entries have featured everything from specialty potato salads and gourmet mac and cheese to unique twists on classic cookout fare. While bragging rights are on the line, the event is ultimately about great food and giving back. Thrilla on the Grilla serves as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lions Club, supporting year-round community initiatives, including the annual Pow Wow Days Fourth of July celebration. Thrilla on the Grilla runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Tomahawk. Any remaining tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event, while supplies last.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News A Nicolet College staffer and veteran will use her experiences to help others who've served following her appointment to a state legislative committee. Casey Lehmann, financial aid manager and Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official at Nicolet, has been named a Public Member of the Legislative Council Study Committee on State Veterans' Benefits. Nominated by the college, Lehmann joins a bipartisan panel made up of five state lawmakers and four other public members from across Wisconsin. Meeting this summer and fall, the committee is tasked with reviewing state veteran laws and legislative proposals to improve benefits for former service members. Lehmann says, "Supporting veterans in the Northwoods is a cornerstone of my life. I'm excited to serve on the committee and ensure Wisconsin is honoring their service, sacrifice, and resilience. A Tomahawk native and six-year veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Lehmann deployed to Iraq in 2003–2004 and later supported military families through the Guard's civilian family program. For the past eight years, she has served as Nicolet College's Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official, helping student veterans and their families navigate education benefits. Lehmann also remains deeply engaged in local veteran advocacy, actively participating in AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO Club of Tomahawk and Rhinelander, and was a key figure in bringing the traveling Vietnam War Memorial known as "The Wall That Heals" to Nicolet in 2023.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News An initiative in Lincoln County is working to put life-saving tools directly into the hands of local residents. The Lincoln County Health Department is launching a community outreach effort funded by national opioid settlement dollars, offering free emergency Narcan kits to community members. We spoke with Public Health Nurse Deanna Engle earlier this week. She says the campaign aims to break down barriers and remove the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The free overdose kits contain two doses of the naloxone nasal spray, along with simple step-by-step instructions. Engle notes that no prescription, certification, or formal training is required to carry or administer Narcan in Wisconsin, and it is completely safe and simple to use. Health officials encourage anyone taking prescription pain medications, living with someone who uses opioids, or, those who simply wanting to be prepared in an emergency to keep a kit on hand, as Engle says she carries herself. Visit the Lincoln County Health Department website for more information. Residents can pick up a free kit at the Lincoln County Health Department during their regular hours. Public health nurses are also available to give one-on-one demonstrations and answer questions.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Just weeks after country music echoed across the Hodag grounds, the skyline is taking center stage as vibrant hot air balloons prepare to launch into the Northwoods skies. The second annual Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, bringing two days of high-flying, family-friendly fun. More than 20 colorful and uniquely shaped hot air balloons will take flight ranging from patriotic designs to crowd favorites like a giant octopus and Nemo. Attendees can take to the skies themselves during tethered rides, while each evening concludes with a signature musical balloon glow at dusk. (weather permitting) While the festival offers a welcome summer boost to local businesses, its primary mission is honoring those who serve. All proceeds directly support active military members, veterans, and first responders. Organizers are hoping to build on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event, which raised more than $38,000 for local causes, including a $30,000 donation to Camp American Legion. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. both today and Saturday, with activities running until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children ages four and under, and parking is $5.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Another week of minimal rainfall has pushed drought conditions further across the Northwoods. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly the entire region north of Highway 64 is now officially classified in a drought. Here in Lincoln County 82% has now slipped from "abnormally dry" into full drought status. Conditions are worse further north, a pocket of D2 or severe drought is growing in northern Oneida, southern Vilas, and the majority of Iron and Price counties. Statewide, 92% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, with 40% of the state meeting the threshold for official drought. The prolonged dry spell continues to pose significant challenges for home gardeners, local farmers, and wildfire crews. A little bit of relief could be on the way, local forecasters are calling on some much-needed rainfall on Friday.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News As the Northwoods enters the second half of the summer boating season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to do their part to keep the state's lakes and rivers safe. With anglers, paddlers, swimmers, and motorboats all sharing the same water, obeying the law is also good boater etiquette. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lt. John Sinclair says boaters must stay mindful of their speed and the size of their wake. He notes that large wakes create hazardous conditions for everyone on the water, especially kayakers and canoeists, adding that a little courtesy goes a long way toward preventing accidents. The reminder comes as state officials report 17 boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The DNR also reminds boaters to wear a life jacket, never operate under the influence, reduce speeds in congested areas, and respect no-wake zones. Officials say those simple steps can help ensure everyone enjoys the rest of the summer safely on the water.

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Sports Headlines

Gibeault Places 3rd in 400 meter dash

Published on 06/06/2026 under Sports In the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this weekend. Elise Gibeault and Ellie Micke competed in three separate events. Gibeault's top finish came in the 400 meter dash, placing third with a time of 56.7 seconds. Gibeault would finish 2.26 seconds behind state champion Harper Sheehan of Hayward. In her final event, the Hatchet Junior would set a brand new school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.38 seconds, a full second behind Sheehan. As for Micke, her season would end in the High Jump Preliminaries. Micke would finish tied for 12th with Martin Luther's Dynasty Fancher. This concludes the Tomahawk Track & Field Season.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

Published on 05/28/2026 under Sports Despite coming back from down four runs in the fifth inning, Tomahawk's baseball squad would fall in extra innings in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field to the Crandon Cardinals, 8-5. The Hatchets trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before tying the game up behind two-run hits from Nick Arndt and Max Larson. After the Hatchets stranded the winning run on third in the seventh, Crandon rolled off three runs off Hatchet pitcher Logan Norman to take the lead. Tomahawk would bring the tying run to the plate, but Arndt flew out to center to end the game and the season. Arndt finished two for five with a triple and two RBIs. Max Larson finished one for five with a double and two RBIs. Despite pitching five scoreless innings and retiring ten straight, Norman absorbed the loss on the mound. The Hatchets finish the 2026 season with a 9-11 record and a 7-7 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk graduates Norman, Arndt, Jonah Dickens, Wally Horabik, Colton Seslar, and Brody Hilgendorf.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

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