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Spring Election: Tomahawk Voters to Decide on Levy Referendum

Published on 04/06/2026 under News The spring elections are coming up Tuesday. In addition to local races, voters in the city of Tomahawk will decide on a levy referendum. After several consecutive years of difficult decisions to balance their budget, the Tomahawk City Council placed the spending request on the spring ballot. The City is seeking a 20% increase to the base levy, which amounts to approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. The state largely restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. Ahead of the vote, city leaders hosted three public informational sessions in an effort to educate voters on why they are seeking the additional fund. They noted that costs have outpaced levy growth, while also discussing potential cuts if the referendum is not approved. While referendum questions have been common for school districts around the state, more municipalities are turning to them in recent years. Voters in the Town of Minocqua approved a referendum in 2024. As for Tomahawk, voters will ultimately decide on a ballot that will also feature a mayor, city council, school board and county board races. We'll have a ballot preview on election day.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News The Oneida County Health Department is inviting the community to take action and prioritize their well-being as part of National Public Health Week. This year's theme, "Ready. Set. Action!" highlights the importance of small, everyday steps that can lead to healthier communities. Public health officials say their work goes far beyond clinics and hospitals, focusing on preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring safe environments for everyone. From restaurant safety and vaccinations to emergency preparedness and health education, public health efforts play a role in daily life across Oneida County. To mark the week, the Oneida County Health Department is hosting a variety of events and activities highlighted by a pop-up clinic on Wednesday (at the YMCA of the Northwoods) where they will offer services like free blood pressure screenings, mental health assessments, and heart-healthy snacks. They've also partnered with some local coffee shops to offer specialty drinks this week, they'll post online trivia and a virtual scavenger hunt, and some free goodie bags Friday at the Health Department. Officials say the goal is simple: encourage people to take small, meaningful steps to help build a stronger, more connected community.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News Hunters and landowners across northern Wisconsin have a couple of opportunities to weigh in on how the state manages its deer herd. The DNR is teaming up with local Citizen Deer Advisory Councils to gather public feedback ahead of the 2026 deer season. Input will help shape decisions on harvest quotas, season structure and other key management tools. State wildlife officials say this process allows for more localized decision-making. Each deer management unit has its own advisory council, which meets annually to review herd data, including harvest numbers and winter conditions. The Northern Forest Zone will be working with the updated, habitat-based management units, which replaced the county-based system. The first opportunity for public input opened over the weekend via the online feedback. That period runs through Sunday April 12. Then, the last two weeks of April, each CDAC will hold a local meeting where attendees can review data, discuss herd health and share concerns. Final recommendations will be presented to the Natural Resources Board in June for approval ahead of the fall hunting season.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News It's that time of year when bears will be emerging from their winter slumber. The DNR is encouraging folks to 'Be Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. Every spring, Wisconsin's estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor, leaving their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. The 'Be Bear Aware' campaign encourages people to limit attractants that may draw bears in to unwanted locations. According to the DNR, black bears are known for returning to spots where they've found good food sources, and prevention is the best tactic. Some common reminders if you are in bear territory:• Garbage and recycling containers. If stored outdoors rinse them out occasionally • Remove bird feeders when bears are active • Store pet food inside, and bring their food dishes in after feeding • Regularly clean grills, smokers, and picnic areas Experts also offered a few tips if you encounter a bear. In your yard, ensure it has a clear escape route, then try and scare it away with loud noises. If you encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and make your self big, while slowly backing away. Try to stay calm and do not run. The DNR has additional information on Be Bear Aware on their website.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Highway 51 project near Tomahawk begins this week that will require a temporary detour. Construction crews will start work on US 51 between US Highway 8 and Oneida County L. This project involves repairing concrete pavement, resurfacing the asphalt and bridge repairs. The first phase of the project will include a full closure and detour. That's scheduled to begin this week and run through mid-May. Phase 2, the duration of the summer, work will continue, but Highway 51 is expected to remain open with single lane closures. A few other quick reminders on Northwoods road construction… The Highway 86/County D overpass over Highway 51 in Tomahawk is also currently closed due to bridge work.Work also began last week on Highway 51 in Minocqua. At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout the summer-long project.Drivers can check 511 Wisconsin for updates and ongoing and upcoming road construction projects and traffic impacts.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Tomahawk native and THS Grad is making the most of her education participating in a national competition. Haley Liebelt, a student at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, recently competed in the 2026 Operation Stimulus Supply Chain Case Competition, held at Colorado State University. Liebelt, an operations and supply chain management major from Tomahawk, was one of five UW-Whitewater students selected to take part in the national event, which brings together 20 top college teams from across the country to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world industry challenges. Now in its 43rd year, the competition is considered the longest-running of its kind in North America, highlighting emerging talent and connecting students with industry leaders. Back on campus, Liebelt also serves as president of UW-Whitewater's Association for Supply Chain Management, helping lead fellow students interested in the growing field.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Track and Field Competes in T-Bird Indoor Invite

Published on 03/30/2026 under Sports Despite having only 16 athletes Saturday, the Hatchet Track & Field Squads had a productive showing at the T-Bird Indoor Invite in Lakeland Saturday. Tomahawk's girls had three first-place finishes. Lauren Reibe placed first in the 200 meter hurdles. Charlee Lund took the top spot in the 800 meter run. Lizzy Arnott took the top spot in the Pole Vault. For the boys, the lone top finisher with Hunter Brigham, who topped the 55 meter hurdles. The next invite for Tomahawk is the UW-Stevens Point Distance Carnival next Saturday. Events begin at 2:00.

Published on 03/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Track & Field Squads had a productive first indoor meet in Eagle River at the Northland Pines Fieldhouse Thursday. For the girls, Tomahawk had five total first-place finishes in the Eagle Indoor Invite. For the girls, Elise Gibeault returned to the track with a top finish in the 400 meters. Freshman Charlee Lund finished first in the 3200 meters. Ellie Micke placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4'10". Siennah Caulkins took the top spot in the Triple Jump, finishing with a hop of 31'9". The lone top relay finish for the girls came from Gibeault, Micke, Lauren Reibe, and Aliyah Nelson in the 4x400 relay. For the boys, Beau Stromberg placed first in the high jump at 5'8". The senior also placed second in the triple jump at 37'4.5". Michael Samundsen had a personal best in the Shot Put, placing second at 43'8.25". Freshman Connor Zorn placed second in the 400 meters with a time of 59.74 seconds. The next indoor invite for Tomahawk is Saturday in the T-Bird Fieldhouse at Lakeland. Events begin at 9:00. Track and Field Top Finishers: Hatchet Boys: Connor Zorn 2nd in 400 Meters Michael Samundsen – 2nd in Shot Put – 43'8.25" Ethan Gibeault – 4th in Shout Put – 38'9.75" Beau Stromberg – T-1st in High Jump – 5'8" Beau Stromberg – 2nd in Triple Jump – 37'4.5" Hatchet Girls: Alicia Voermans – 3rd in 55 Meters – 7.87s Faith Derleth – 3rd in 200 Meters – 28.9s Elise Gibeault – 1st in 400 Meters – 1:01.24 Lydia Shaney – 5th in 800 Meters – 2:56.66 Chrlee Lund – 1st in 3200 Meters – 12:16.02 Kailynn Hanse – 2nd in 3200 Meters – 16:46.69 Aliyah Nelson – 3rd in 200 Meter Hurdles – 34.66s Voermans, Nelson, Ellie Micke, and Lauren Reibe – 2nd in 4x200 Relay – 1:57.90 Gibeault, Micke, Riebe, Nelson – 1st in 4x400 Relay – 4:42.88 Shaney, Lund, Abbie Rosenmeier, and Norah Mann – 2nd in 4x800 Relay – 11:18.76 Shelby Borowski – 2nd in Shot Put – 30' Abbigail Doleshal – 4th in Shot Put – 28'6" Ellie Micke – 1st in High Jump – 4'10" Reagan Gorell – 4th in High Jump – 4'4" Siennah Caulkins – 5th in High Jump – 4'4" Alicia Voermans – 3rd in Pole Vault – 10' Elizabeth Arnott – T-4th in Pole Vault – 8' Faith Derleth – 4th in Long Jump – 13'9" Siennah Caulkins – 1st in Triple Jump – 31'9"

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 03/04/2026 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.

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