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Published on 04/03/2026 under News As cleanup continues from yesterday's ice storm, thousands are still without power, and another round of winter weather could be on the way. According to an update provided by Wisconsin Public Service last evening, crews had already restored electricity to more than 44,000 customers. As of daybreak Friday, more than 21,000 customers remain in the dark. Spokesman Matt Cullen says crews are working around the clock to repair widespread damage caused by heavy ice and strong winds, including downed lines, broken poles, and trees tangled in electrical equipment. The hardest-hit areas include parts of central and northeast Wisconsin, though outages are scattered across the Northwoods as well. Adding to the challenge, another round of ice is in the forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning, which could bring additional outages, especially further north in the service area. WPS says it appreciates the public's patience as crews continue working nonstop to get the lights back on. Customers can track restoration updates through the WPS app or online outage map, though officials warn repair times may change as crews assess damage. (Photo provided by Wisconsin Public Service: Icy storm damage in Stevens Point on April 2, 2026)

Published on 04/03/2026 under News The recent stretch of weather may have created a challenging situation for migrating birds, and a local rescue is asking residents to be on the look out for any loons that wind up on land. Local loon rescue duo Kevin and Linda Grenzer put out a message to their followers on social media warning of what is known as 'loon fall out'. This occurs when migrating loons develop ice on their bodies. It interfering with their flight ability, and they fall out of the sky. Loons have limited mobility on land and are unable to take off into the air. We've experienced this phenomenon on several occasions in recent years. The Grenzers encourage people to watch for any loons in unusual spots like roads, parking lots, fields, or small ponds. If you come across a stranded loon, call a local expert like REGI, Loon Rescue, or your local wildlife center to advise on the next steps. The bird likely needs to be checked out for injuries before a return to the wild.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News The spring election is just days away, and voters across the Northwoods will be heading to the polls to weigh in on local races, from city councils to school boards and county leadership. In Tomahawk, the spotlight is on the mayor's race, where the city will see new leadership for the first time in a decade. Current mayor Steve Taskay is not seeking re-election after serving since 2016. With the seat open, two newcomers to elected city office, Michael 'Hob' Habeck and Jeffery Koth, are making their final case to voters. Both recently joined WJJQ's morning conversation program to discuss key issues like housing, city finances, and the future of Tomahawk. Those conversations are available now in the WJJQ Audio Center for voters to check out before cast a ballot. Tomahawk isn't the only community with a closely watched mayoral race. In Merrill, incumbent Steve Hass is facing a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner. And in Rhinelander, current mayor Kris Hanus is running against city council member Thomas Barnett. Election Day is Tuesday, April 7.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News Somo Avenue in Tomahawk is one of the roughest stretches to drive in the city. As they await a long-term fix, the city may work with the county on a temporary solution. The segment doubles as State Road 86, and the city has been awaiting a full reconstruction from the state for years. At Tuesday's Board of Public Works meeting, during his monthly report, Street Lead Nick Rosenmeier briefly discussed a possible plan. Recently, the previous overlay has started to come up, leaving large potholes that are difficult to fill and maintain. Rosenmeier had preliminary discussions with the county to wedge the top layer and put down an overlay. The project would likely take a couple of days, and ideally be completed ahead of the summer tourism season. It would likely require another project planned this year, on Bradley Farm Road, to be pushed into 2027. Details still need to be worked out with the county, and the Board of Public Works would need to approve the project.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News A new investment could help breathe fresh life into the Northwoods forestry industry. Governor Evers signed the Forestry Revitalization Act into law, a bipartisan measure co-authored by local Senator Mary Felzkowski. The legislation provides tax credits to support a proposed, new facility that will convert woody biomass into sustainable aviation fuel. Officials say the project is expected to bring billions of dollars in economic impact to Northern Wisconsin, while creating thousands of jobs, not only at the plant itself, but across supporting industries like logging, trucking, and forest management. That's welcome news for the region's forestry sector, which has seen declines in recent years due to changing markets and mill closures. Leaders say the new demand for woody biomass could help stabilize and grow the industry by creating a new, long-term market for forest products. Felzkowski called it transformative for the Northwoods economy and forest products sector, noting she was 'thrilled that, after months of hard work from all our Northwoods legislators, we were able to get this across the finish line." Governor Tony Evers says the move positions Wisconsin as a leader in the growing sustainable aviation fuel market, where demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News Anglers across the Northwoods are gearing up for an early start to trout season this weekend. The DNR says the inland trout season opens April 4th this year, about a month earlier than in the past. The early start is for the state's inland streams and springs. The early open harvest season for trout does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. Officials say trout populations are strong statewide, and the earlier opener was supported by the public to expand spring fishing opportunities. Langlade County continues to stand out for high-quality trout streams, with clear, cold waters that attract anglers from across the region. Areas like the Wolf River and its tributaries are known for healthy trout populations and scenic fishing spots. The DNR reminds anglers they'll need a valid fishing license and trout stamp, and to check updated bag and length limits for the new season. They're also encouraging everyone to help protect local waterways by cleaning gear and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

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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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