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Snowmobile Derby Weekend; World Championships Return to Eagle River

Published on 01/17/2025 under News Some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world are converging in the Northwoods for an iconic race weekend. World Championship Snowmobile racing at the classic ice oval in Eagle River is back for a 62th edition. Following a successful Vintage Derby last week, the older sleds are making way for more powerful and contemporary machines over the next few days. In a typical year, tens of thousands of sled-heads travel to the Northwoods to not only take in the races but ride themselves boosting the local economy. They got some last minute good news; the Vilas County trails opened Friday morning. After a slow start to the winter recreation season, this weekend's derby and anticipated crowds will be a welcome sight for local businesses. As we shared yesterday, the 'Ride with the Cup' tour has been passing through Northwoods communities. They'll arrive at the track this evening, just in time for the opening ceremonies. Races continues across multiple classes, with the World Championship Race Sunday afternoon. This year's field includes Matt Goede ('23 and '24) and Blaine Stephenson (2018-21) who have combined to win the past 6 Championships. There are also a number of local hopefuls attempting to qualify.

Published on 01/17/2025 under News Competitors in the World Championship Derby won't be the only ones riding snowmobiles in the Eagle River area this weekend. The Vilas County Forestry, Recreation, and Land Department announced the opening of the Vilas County Snowmobile Trail System as Friday morning. The decision comes after a review of trails and vote by the eleven clubs that make up the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance. Most sleds in the state remained parked last riding season due to the mild weather and lack of snow. And there's still not a whole lot of snow in the base, with the Department warning that trails will be in early season riding conditions. Vilas County follows their neighbors to the west, Iron County trails opened on Thursday morning. Meanwhile Oneida and Lincoln County Trails are still closed, and riders are reminded to keep off until they're open.

Published on 01/17/2025 under News While it isn't a common occurrence, TSA officers at Central Wisconsin Airport caught several firearms at their checkpoint last year. The Transportation Security Administration released their 2024 data for airports in the state of Wisconsin. It shows that three travelers at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee were stopped with guns last year. That's after a single incident in the previous four years combined. Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said. "When individuals bring firearms to our checkpoints, they are introducing a risk to everyone in the area." He also noted that it slows down the screening process for all travelers. The state's busiest airport in Milwaukee also saw the highest total of firearms detected at 16. That's down from last year and below the national average based on the number of travelers. As for other Wisconsin airports, Madison had 6, Appleton 3, and Green Bay 1. TSA does have a process that allows passengers to travel with a firearm in their checked baggage. Travelers planning to do so are encouraged to review all of those steps to ensure they are followed.

Published on 01/17/2025 under News Each holiday season, students in the Rhinelander FBLA/DECA host a collection drive known as 'Jeans for Teens.' As the name implies, they collect new or gently used pairs of jeans. They are then donated to Frederick Place Temporary Housing Shelter. As they wrapped up earlier this week, their collection space was overflowing with denim. When all the jeans were counted, they once again topped more than 400 pairs. Jeans in good shape are distributed for wearing, while older jeans are re-purposed for use such as cleaning materials. Since starting the program nine years ago, the Rhinelander community has contributed several thousand pairs of jeans. The students were grateful, adding in their announcement, "From the bottom of our hearts, (we) would like to sincerely thank you for all of your participation in this project. We could not have had the amazing success we did without the help of the area businesses and all those who donated."

Published on 01/17/2025 under News Whether tip-ups, jigging, or casting a line; Wisconsin anglers can hit the ice for some fishing this weekend without a license. The DNR has brought back their OutWiGo Winter Free Fishing weekend. Coupled with a summer free fishing weekend in June, the campaigns are an attempt to introduce new participants to the sport of fishing and provide former anglers a chance to renew their interest. Coinciding with the license waiver, groups are hosting fishing clinics and activities on select waterways. And if equipment cost is an issue, the DNR has loaner equipment available at a number of state properties. All of the information is posted on the DNR website. While landing a fish is fun, the sport is about more than the catch. It allows participants a chance to make memories, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the state's natural resources. While you don't need a license, anglers must still follow all other fishing regulations including size and bag limits. For those heading onto the ice, the DNR did offer a reminder to dress appropriately for the chilly weather in the forecast, use caution, and remember no ice is 100% safe.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Hockey Team Defeats Lakeland at SARA Park

Published on 01/15/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's Hockey Squad remain undefeated in Great Northern Conference play with a 4-1 win over Lakeland on Pink the Rink night at SARA Park Tuesday. The Hatchets got goals from Jonah Dickens, Beau Stromberg, and Sawyer Hanna. Trevor Seliskar stopped 22 out of 23 shots on goal. The Hatchets record now stands at 11-3 and 5-0 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will have a full week off before their next GNC Game at Antigo.

Published on 01/15/2025 under Sports Both of Tomahawk's basketbal squads lost to Medford on Tuesday. The Hatchet boys were at Medford and lost 71-17. Tomahawk's girls lost to the Raiders at home, 63-30. Tomahawk's boys now stand at 4-7 on the season and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchet girls now stand at 5-7 and 2-4 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action for another GNC game against Antigo Friday night. The boys will be at home and the girls will be on the road. The girls game will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:50 and tip-off at 7:15. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 01/13/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim team competed at the Jaguar Invitational in Ashwaubenon, finishing tied for ninth with Appleton North/East. The Hatchets had two events where they finished sixth. One was the 200-yard freestyle relay team of Sam Zastrow, Jack Amelse, Bruce Peetz, and Zach Germano. Dane Dekiep also placed sixth in the 100-yard backstroke. The Hatchets head up to Minocqua for a GNC Dual with Lakeland Tuesday.

Published on 01/13/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys wrestling team came out on top Saturday, winning the 2025 Northland Invite. Eight wrestlers finished in the top three, including two first-place finishers. Placing first was Zander Zehner at 150 pounds and Hudson Evans at 165 pounds. Brayden Ristau, Jack Derleth, Walter Horabik, Connor Jones, Kaiden Kapellusch, and Ethan Gibeault all finished third. Tomahawk will be down in Mosinee for a Great Northern Conference Quad on Thursday. The Hatchets will square off with Antigo and Rhinelander. The matches will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:10 and opening duels at 6:30. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will be in the broadcast booth.

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