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Aspirus MedEvac Crew Member named National Paramedic of the Year

Published on 11/06/2025 under News When an emergency strikes in the Northwoods, patients are in good hands. And now one local paramedic was recognized by his peers as one of the best of the best. At the EMS World Expo in Indianapolis, Jason Wyland was named as the 2025 National Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Wyland currently works as a flight nurse and flight paramedic with the Aspirus MedEvac Air-1 team based at Howard Young in Woodruff. This prestigious honor recognizes Wyland's exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care. Wyland called the recognition incredibly humbling. He said, "I'm proud to serve alongside the Air-1 crew—this isn't just a job, it's a family. Every day we have the opportunity to make someone's very worst moment a little better. That's why we do what we do." Throughout his nearly three decade career, they said Wyland has been described as a humble leader, a mentor to new providers, and a dedicated patient advocate who brings both clinical excellence and compassion to every mission. They note even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, he has continued to expand his knowledge and skills to remain actively involved in patient care. Charlie Kotke, Manager, Aspirus MedEvac. "His expertise, resilience, and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of countless patients. We are thrilled to see him recognized on a national stage for the excellence we are fortunate to witness every day." He actually began his full-time EMS career with the Merrill Fire Department in 2001 as a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate. Just a few years later, he helped lead a milestone initiative to raise $110,000 to elevate the department's emergency medical service to the paramedic level—strengthening care for the communities they served.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News A Tomahawk Committee is looking for developers to submit proposals for another property in the community. Last year, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee took up the task of taking inventory of all parcels owned by the city to determine if they would be better off in the private sector. The goal was to generate revenue, get properties back on the tax role, and spur some growth and development. At their meeting last night, the Committee voted to put out a Request for Proposal or RFP for the remainder of the former Lincoln Industries property on Kaphaem Road. Earlier this year, the city split the parcel. They sold the first parcel, including the building, to the Rock Church this spring. Now, the committee is looking to sell the other 16 acres. The city has utilized the RFP process on several occasions to sell properties while ensuring the purchaser has a plan for use. For this property specifically, the Committee put some parameters including a $75,000 minimum bid. They also set some priorities: first and foremost they are looking for someone interested in developing housing; the second is other types of developments that would generate tax revenue for the city. Speaking of taxes, in order to get the property on next year's tax role, they hope to close the deal prior to December 31. The RFP process was approved unanimously. The city should get the details posted in the coming days.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News Being prepared for an emergency requires proper training. Coming up on Friday morning, Lincoln County is conducting an active threat training exercise at the Court House. As a result, the Court House will be closed and people are encouraged to plan accordingly. The scenarios will be led by Lincoln County Emergency Management and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office. The goal is to equip county staff with the skills and confidence need to respond effectively during a potential threat emergency. According to emergency management director Tyler Verhassalt, the training will feature realistic scenarios and the use of blank ammunition to simulate an active threat. He says people may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in and around the court house. They want they public to be aware that this is a planned training exercise. This training will also affect services at the courthouse from 8am to noon Friday. Members of the public with business at the courthouse may want to adjust their schedules.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Lakeland area is teaming up to fight hunger in the Northwoods this fall. That includes a daylong community food drive this weekend. The four fire departments that serve their region will serve as drop-off locations. Coming up Saturday morning they'll be collecting non-perishable food donations. That includes the Arbor Vitae Fire Department. Chief Mike Van Meter says, "As firefighters, our mission is to serve and protect our neighbors—whether that's during a fire, an accident, or by helping make sure no one goes hungry." He added, "When the community comes together like this, it shows the strength and compassion that make the Northwoods such a special place to live." They've also recruited some help from local high school students. Members of the Wings Program at Lakeland Union High School will be collecting the donations, sorting them, and distributing them to the food pantry. Pamela Carroll, Arbor Vitae Town Board Supervisor says, "Helping feed our neighbors is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back. We encourage everyone to join us and make a difference—every can counts!" For those interested in donating, the Lakeland Area Food Drive is Saturday November 8 from 9am to Noon at the Hazelhurst, Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae Fire Departments.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched an official online merchandise store, featuring a variety of items celebrating the state's fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions. DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "Everyone in the state interacts with the environment in some way, and we're excited to offer this new opportunity for all Wisconsinites to participate in supporting the mission of the DNR." Proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. The initial run of items includes t-shirts, mugs, posters and Christmas ornaments featuring state parks, animals, and even Smokey Bear. They launched the store in time for the holiday shopping season and plan to update the store front with new items in the coming weeks and months.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Football Team Advances to Level Three WIAA Playoffs

Published on 11/03/2025 under Sports In the WIAA Division 5 Football Playoffs, #1 Seed Tomahawk would advance to the Sectional Championship for the first time since 2007, defeating #5 Seed Spencer/Columbus Catholic Halloween Night at Hatchet Field, 34-12. The Hatchets jumped out to a 21-0 Halftime lead thanks to a stout defense and two time-consuming touchdown drives. After Spencer/Columbus Catholic cut it to nine heading into the fourth, Tomahawk forced two of the Rockets' three turnovers on the night. Jonah Dickens would come up with a key interception that would pave the way for touchdown runs by Tiegan Sarazin and Max Larson. Sarazin would rush for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The Hatchets also got a touchdown run from Rex Reilly and a 19-yard scoring pass from Jett Reilly to Jonah Dickens. The win gives Tomahawk its first double-digit winning season in school history, moving to 10-1 on the season. The Hatchets will play for their first state semifinal berth since 1990 in the Sectional Championship next week against three-time defending state champion Stratford. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and the opening kick at 7:00 next Friday. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 10/24/2025 under Sports On Friday night, the Tomahawk Hatchet Football Team won their ninth game of the season, with a 41-14 Level One WIAA Playoff victory over Omro. Tomahawk dominated the line of scrimmage all night, as they rushed for 290 yards and had over 35 minutes of possession offensively. On the other side of the ball, Tomahawk held Omro to just 39 yards rushing. Rex Reilly had three rushing touchdowns, and carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards. Jonah Dickens also had three touchdowns, two touchdown catches, both from Jett Reilly, one from 43 yards out the other from ten. Dickens also added a nine yard touchdown run. Jett Reilly, along with those two touchdown passes and 72 yards through the air, had 76 yards on the ground. Tomahawk is now 9-1 on the season and will host Spencer/Columbus Catholic on Friday night at Hatchet Field. Spencer/Columbus defeated New Holstein 31-12. The #1 seed Hatchets and #5 seed Spencer/Columbus will play at Hatchet Field on Friday night at 7:00 pm. Northwoods 92-5 will have the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 pm, and the opening kickoff at 7:00 pm. In other scores from Level One action: In D-5: Stratford beat Richland Center 41-9 In D-4: Mosinee defeated Turner 41-7 In D-3: Merrill defeated Lakeland 38-12, Rhinelander lost to Edgewood 35-7, Wausau East lost to Mount Horeb/Barneveld, and Medford lost to Grafton 49-14

Published on 10/24/2025 under Sports The Tomahawk Hatchet boys and girls cross country teams competed in the Division Two WIAA Sectional Meet at the MARC in Merrill on Friday. The Hatchet girls will have an individual qualifier at the WIAA State Meet next Saturday at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, as Freshman Charlee Lund in fifth place overall and will competed at state. The Hatchet girls finished in fourth place overall, Abbie Rosenmeir was 18th, Lydia Shaney finished 20th, Faith Derleth was 35th, and Elise Gibeault was 38th. Wittenberg-Birnamwood finished first and Shawano was second. On the boys side, Tomahawk was fifth. Lakeland ran away with the boys race scoring 45 points and Shawano qualifies for state with their second place finish. Caiden Reichelt let Tomahawk and finished just one place out of qualifying. Reichelt was 10th overall, Connor Zorn was 37th, Jordyn Carew was 39th, Dawson Jones 42nd and Ryan Montag was 48th. The WIAA Division Two Girls State Race will be at 2:25 pm next Saturday and will feature Hatchet freshman Charlee Lund.

Published on 10/20/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads competed in the Great Northern Conference meet in Rhinelander Saturday. The Hatchet girls placed second overall, ten points behind Conference champion Medford. Charlee Lund was the highest-placed Hatchet, finishing third with a time of 20:22. Abbie Rosenmeier and Lydia Shaney each finished in the Top Ten. The Hatchet boys placed fourth overall in the Conference meet. The Hatchets' top finisher was Caiden Reichelt, placing eighth with a time of 18:26. The Other Hatchet to finish in the Top 25 was Joe Zastrow. The Regular Season is officially wrapped up for Cross Country. The WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet is Friday in Merrill.

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