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Officials Raising Awareness of Invasive Species

Published on 02/27/2026 under News Invasive species impact public lands and waterways, and officials are using this week to highlight some of the ways people can minimize the spread. It's National Invasive Species Awareness week. The DNR is taking part and encouraging others to get involved. This is a great time to remind the public of how they can help prevent the spread of invasive species year-round. The event is dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. The good news is that the public can help by taking steps toward basic care to greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that they love. The DNR highlighted some of those steps including cleaning outdoor gear and equipment between outings and buy local for firewood, plants, and bait. There are also volunteer opportunities from removal to education and outreach. The DNR's Invasive Species webpage offers plenty of information on what invasive species are and why it's important to control them.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry (RAFP) is challenging local residents to contribute to the Annual Spring Challenge. Two local families, who wish to remain anonymous, have agreed once again to make a partial match for all donations or pledges received from March 1st through April 30th. The 2026 Spring Challenge marks the 21st Anniversary of RAFP and over 10 million pounds of food distributed to our community. RAFP currently serves over 1,100 households and in the past year provided 37,000 meals to children in our community. Donations can be lower during this time of year, so your help is greatly appreciated. To help the Food Pantry with the Annual RAFP Spring Challenge, monetary donations can be made to Rhinelander Area Food Pantry PO Box 1306, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Food items may be dropped off at the Food Pantry at 627 Coon Street from 9 am to 12pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org or call 715-369-7237.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. "Those who advocate for and work toward improving Wisconsin's urban forests can often go overlooked," said Linda Cadotte, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Chair. "With these awards, we aim to highlight just a few of the dedicated leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to urban forestry today to help ensure a healthy and resilient tree canopy tomorrow." This year's recipients were announced at the 2026 Wisconsin Arborist Association – DNR Urban Forestry Conference and will be recognized at an event of their choosing in their community. This year, there were five winners in four categories and a Rhinelander area man was awarded the Leadership Award. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual or elected official at the county or local level of government who has made an outstanding recent contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin. • Tom Jerow has served as the Rhinelander City Forester for several years. Among his many accomplishments, highlights include establishing and chairing an Urban Forestry Tree Board, securing over $300,000 in urban forestry grants and donations, establishing a cost-sharing program for private property plantings and leading numerous education and outreach events. These accomplishments would be impressive for any full-time employee, but Tom has done all of this as an unpaid volunteer.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced nine businesses and organizations in eight Wisconsin counties across the state will collectively receive $250,000 in commercial driver training grants. These grants are part of the Commercial Driver Training Grant program and work to support businesses and organizations that offer training for trainees to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the goal of bolstering Wisconsin's driving workforce, such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and more. This round of grant awards will help 190 trainees obtain a CDL and grow their earning potential, all while helping to meet the demands for one of the state's most in-demand occupations. In our area, Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County received grant funding of $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training for 30 individuals. Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD's Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Individuals interested in a professional truck driver career can find more information on the Job Center of Wisconsin website and CDL Apprenticeship opportunities.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News The Rhinelander High School Drama Department will be taking audiences on a trip to Neverland. The students will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the characters of Peter Pan. But rather than the traditional story we grew up with fast-paced and imaginative play reveals the origins of beloved characters from Peter Pan, including Peter Pan himself, Captain Hook, and the fantastical world of Neverland. In previewing the production they said, "Packed with humor, adventure, flamboyant pirates, and enchanting mermaids, the story celebrates friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination." Peter and the Starcatcher is perfect for audiences of all ages, offering high-energy storytelling and plenty of laughs for the whole family. They'll be offering four public performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 1pm. Admission is free.

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The countdown is on for an unforgettable milestone as Fall Ride prepares to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this annual Northwoods tradition. For more than four decades, the event has brought together riders and music lovers from across the Midwest with a weekend filled with chrome, community, and charitable impact. Tomahawk Main Street is proud to be at the center of it all. What began as a small street dance at the corner of Wisconsin and North 4th Street has become an event that now spans the entire length of the business district in downtown Tomahawk. The Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride Committee is planning the biggest celebration yet, and they need your help. The committee has the opportunity to secure a nostalgic, national metal band to headline the iconic Saturday night street dance. This is more than just another year," said Jennifer Turkiewicz, Tomahawk Main Street Executive Director. "The 45th Anniversary deserves something extraordinary, and we want to give our visitors and community something memorable." Bringing a national act requires raising more money and securing more sponsors. "This event is fully funded by sponsors and four beer tents that we set up during the weekend. The expense associated with the security, insurance, and outdoor facilities to accommodate 40,000 plus visitors to our street is tens of thousands of dollars and that does not include the expenses of staging and hosting large bands. The event is not a money maker for our organization, but it is a money maker for our whole community, and that's why we are proud to make it bigger and better every year," Turkiewicz noted. To help bring the dream to life Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride is launching a Big Anniversary Raffle where they will give away $4,500.00 for the 45th year. A very limited number of tickets will be sold for $100.00 each, and prizes will include two VIP Meet and Greet passes with the Headliner, a second-place prize of $500.00, and the Grand Prize of $4,000.00. Winners and our full Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride music lineup will be announced at a Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 24th at 6:30pm at Strikers in Tomahawk. Tickets can be purchased at the Tomahawk Main Street Office (located at 223 W. Wisconsin Avenue) or Honeycomb L.O.F.T., What's Brewin', Sideways Wine and Craft Beer, Crossbridge Community Bank, or Calhoun Insurance.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Girls Basketball Teams' Season Comes to an End

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.

Published on 02/18/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' basketball squad would suffer their 14th straight defeat Tuesday night, as well as their 12th straight Great Northern Conference defeat to Antigo, 82-61. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-20 on the season and 0-12 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will go back on the road Friday night for another GNC showdown at Mosinee. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 02/16/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' swimmers will be sending multiple athletes to the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in Waukesha for the second consecutive season. At the Sectional Meet in Rice Lake, Junior Dane Dekiep qualified for the state meet in the 100 yard backstroke. Dekiep would finish fourth in the event with a time 56.41 seconds. Senior Bruce Peetz would break the school record and qualify for the state meet in the 500 yard freestyle. Peetz's time was 5:07.13, good for third overall and was the top GNC finisher. Dekiep and Peetz will be competing in the WIAA Division 2 State Boys Swim Meet. Events will be at the Waukesha South Natatorium Friday at 5:30.

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