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Barbecue Champions Crowned at 16th Annual Thrilla on the Grilla in Tomahawk

Published on 08/03/2026 under News It was another warm summer weekend here in the Northwoods, but things got extra sizzling in downtown Tomahawk for the annual rib cook-off. The Tomahawk Lions Club hosted the 16th edition of Thrilla on the Grilla on Saturday. Ten teams fired up their smokers, turning out hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs alongside delicious sides and desserts. With high-caliber barbecue across the board, three different champions ultimately emerged across four categories. The judges named Outboards as the top rib winner, followed by a tie for second place between Big Dawgs BBQ and Century 21. Those same three teams claimed top honors in the judge's side category, with Big Dawgs taking first place and Outboards tying with Century 21 for second. The public had its say as well. In the People's Choice Rib division, Big Dawgs edged out Loop Hole and LP. Meanwhile, the People's Choice Side awards went to LP, B's Nest, and Outboards. Beyond the great food, the event served as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lions Club. Organizers extended a heartfelt thank you to all the competing teams, the hardworking volunteers, and everyone who came out to show their support.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News As parents gear up for another school year, health officials say one of the most important back-to-school essentials isn't found on a supply list: it's a good night's sleep. While the first day of class is still a few weeks away, it's not too early to start planning school routines. Dr. Kevin Morgan, a pediatrician with Aspirus Health, says sleep plays a critical role in children's learning, behavior, brain development, and overall health. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 35 percent of children from infancy through age 14 don't get enough sleep. With summer routines often leading to later bedtimes and sleeping in, Dr. Morgan recommends families start adjusting schedules now rather than waiting until the night before school begins. He suggests gradually moving bedtimes earlier in 10- to 15-minute increments. It's also a great opportunity to establish a consistent bedtime routine, which Dr. Morgan notes signals to the brain that it is time to relax and prepare for sleep. About an hour before bedtime, encourage children to brush their teeth, take a bath or shower, put on pajamas, and complete other evening tasks. Dr. Morgan also emphasizes putting away phones, tablets, and other electronics during this wind-down period. He adds that these simple steps can help children return to the classroom rested, focused, and ready to learn when the new school year begins.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News Two people suffered minor burns Sunday evening after a boat caught fire on Lake Minocqua. At approximately 5:45 p.m., the Minocqua Police Department Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a boat on fire near the East Park Lot J boat landing. When police and fire crews arrived on the scene, the boat was fully engulfed in flames. First responders treated two victims, a 36-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, for burn injuries, and both were subsequently transported to the hospital. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is leading the ongoing investigation. Several neighboring agencies provided assistance on the scene.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News The Oneida County District Attorney has determined a sheriff's deputy was legally justified in using deadly force during an officer-involved shooting in the Town of Lake Tomahawk earlier this year. District Attorney Jillian Pfeifer announced that, after reviewing an independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, she concluded Deputy Justin Orth acted lawfully during the June 17 incident. According to the report, two deputies went to a home on Lumen Lake Drive to arrest 48-year-old John Krga on child sexual assault allegations. Investigators say Krga resisted arrest, produced a handgun during a struggle on the front porch, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, and fired a shot. Deputy Orth returned fire, striking Krga multiple times. Krga was pronounced dead at the scene. Wisconsin state law mandates an independent investigation for all officer-involved deaths. Following her review of the evidence, District Attorney Pfeifer concluded there is no basis to prosecute Deputy Orth. The second officer, Deputy Alyssa Knabenbauer, did not fire her weapon out of concern that she might hit Deputy Orth during the physical struggle.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News One person is dead following a multi-vehicle crash in Langlade County over the weekend. According to the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to the intersection of Highway 45 and County B in the Town of Upham, north of Antigo on Saturday evening. The call, which came in at shortly after 5pm indicated three vehicles were involved. According to the report, a 61 year old Tigerton man was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other vehicle occupants were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No other information was provided. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News With the school year right around the corner, Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) is kicking off its 7th annual CashFORKids fundraiser to ensure area students have the nutritional support they need both inside and outside the classroom. Funds raised during the campaign directly support FORK's core nutritional programs across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps school districts: FORK NOW: Provides emergency nutritional assistance to families experiencing sudden changes in food security.FORK Cares: Delivers food support during school breaks and weekends when traditional school meals aren't available.FORK Pantry: Operates 12 area food pantries to give school staff, guardians, and parents immediate access to nutritional resources for students.FORK Extra: Provides bonus food benefits to help local pantries welcome and assist first-time visiting families with children.To make donating easy during the August collection, FORK has teamed up with eight financial institutions across their service area to accept in-person contributions. They said, "This type of collaboration between competitors sends a powerful message to the community about the importance of helping children from food-insecure homes." (Community members can drop off donations at any Eagle River location of Great North Bank, BMO Harris, Associated Bank, Peoples State Bank, Nicolet National Bank, Incredible Bank, or Ripco Credit Union, as well as Forward Bank locations in St. Germain and Three Lakes.)

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Sports Headlines

Gibeault Places 3rd in 400 meter dash

Published on 06/06/2026 under Sports In the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this weekend. Elise Gibeault and Ellie Micke competed in three separate events. Gibeault's top finish came in the 400 meter dash, placing third with a time of 56.7 seconds. Gibeault would finish 2.26 seconds behind state champion Harper Sheehan of Hayward. In her final event, the Hatchet Junior would set a brand new school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.38 seconds, a full second behind Sheehan. As for Micke, her season would end in the High Jump Preliminaries. Micke would finish tied for 12th with Martin Luther's Dynasty Fancher. This concludes the Tomahawk Track & Field Season.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

Published on 05/28/2026 under Sports Despite coming back from down four runs in the fifth inning, Tomahawk's baseball squad would fall in extra innings in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field to the Crandon Cardinals, 8-5. The Hatchets trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before tying the game up behind two-run hits from Nick Arndt and Max Larson. After the Hatchets stranded the winning run on third in the seventh, Crandon rolled off three runs off Hatchet pitcher Logan Norman to take the lead. Tomahawk would bring the tying run to the plate, but Arndt flew out to center to end the game and the season. Arndt finished two for five with a triple and two RBIs. Max Larson finished one for five with a double and two RBIs. Despite pitching five scoreless innings and retiring ten straight, Norman absorbed the loss on the mound. The Hatchets finish the 2026 season with a 9-11 record and a 7-7 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk graduates Norman, Arndt, Jonah Dickens, Wally Horabik, Colton Seslar, and Brody Hilgendorf.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

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