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Tomahawk Voters Reject Budget Levy Referendum

Published on 04/08/2026 under News It's back to the drawing board for City of Tomahawk Finance committee after voters rejected a request for additional spending ability. In addition to the local non-partisan races, the Tomahawk City Council placed a referendum question on the ballot to increase the base levy by 20%; up to $276,000, if approved. Instead, based on preliminary election result, the referendum was defeated with 56% of 961 voters opposed and 44% in favor. Ahead of the election, City leaders held several public informational sessions to explain why they were seeking the additional funding including costs outpacing the standard levy growth. The Finance Committee has made several cost cutting measures to help balance the budget in recent years while also taking inventory and selling off some city-owned properties. Without the levy approval, city leaders, including a new mayor Michael Habeck, will have to make due with the current levy limits.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News Tomahawk has a new mayor, while two neighboring cities re-elected their current city leaders. Tuesday was election day in the state of Wisconsin. The spring elections include local non-partisan races like city council, school board, county board and mayor. Here in Tomahawk two newcomers to the ballot faced off in the mayoral race, Michael 'Hob' Habeck and Jeffrey Koth. Based on preliminary results, Habeck cruised to victory, receiving 70 percent of the 938 votes in the race. Habeck becomes the first new mayor in Tomahawk in a decade. Outgoing Mayor Steve Taskay did not seek re-election after 10 years in office. Meanwhile, both Merrill and Rhinelander also had mayoral races on the ballot with both incumbents coming out on top. In Merrill, Mayor Steve Hass easily defeated a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner receiving nearly three quarters of the votes. And in Rhinelander, Mayor Kris Hanus narrowly edged out alderman Thomas Barnett in a race decided just 15 votes, based on the preliminary results. Other local races: For Lincoln County Board, all 22 supervisor races were on the ballot, but just three competitive races. For an open seat in District 2, Scott Doerr beat Mark Baers by just 4 votes; in District 12 Board Chair Jesse Boyd defeated Josh Oxborrow; and District 17 supervisor, Don Nelson beat incumbent James Meunier. The Tomahawk City Council had five spots on the ballot due to two partial-term appointments, but just three candidates. Pat Haskin, Don Nelson and Tadd Wegener each won their respective races. Both Nelson and Wegener will both return to the Council after gaps in service. Nelson takes over for Dale Ernst who did not seek re-election; while Wegener actually succeeds himself. He had stepped down last summer, but his seat wasn't filled. The Tomahawk School Board had three seats and two candidates. Dave Long and Ron Zimmerman were re-elected. We are still awaiting confirmation on the write-in results that will determine the other two Tomahawk City Council seats, a county board seat, and a Tomahawk School Board race.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use. Working with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, they Health Department has been hosting community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The third and final session will be this evening here in Tomahawk. These talks are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray added, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The discussion gets underway at 6pm at Kinship House in Tomahawk.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News A pair of loons are continuing their migration after a brief layover in central Wisconsin. The two loons were recently treated at the Raptor Education Group in Antigo after weekend rescues. The loons came from Portage and Waushara Counties in Central Wisconsin. These were some of the areas hardest hit by the ice storms that crossed the state late last week. Ahead of the weather event, rescuers had warned about the possible grounding in what is known as 'loon fall out'. Once on the ground, loons are limited in their movement. They also require a larger body of water to take off. We received an update from loon rescuer Linda Grenzer Tuesday. She said the loons got a quick medical check at REGI to ensure they weren't injured. The two birds were then released in Tomahawk near the Kwahamot Bay boat landing Tuesday morning. The Grenzers were thankful for all of those who helped get these birds back on the water to continue on to their final destination.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The first peregrine falcon eggs of the season have been laid in the nesting box at the Wisconsin Public Service Weston plant. WPS made the egg-citing announcement Tuesday. At the power plant near Wausau, Sheldon and an unbanded female, have laid three eggs so far, part of a growing total across Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies nest boxes. According to WPS spokesman Matt Cullen, 10 eggs have been counted at their facilities around the state. The nesting program dates back to the early 1990s, when utility companies began installing nest boxes at power plants to help restore the once-endangered species. Since then, more than 465 falcons have hatched at these sites. That accounts for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in the state. At Weston, the resident pair will now take turns incubating their eggs over the next several weeks. If conditions cooperate, the first chicks could hatch later this month or early May. People can follow along with the live nest cams as well as WPS social media for updates. The announcement also teased naming contest described as 'newsworthy'.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News It's Election Day in the state of Wisconsin, with voters heading to the polls on a variety of races and questions. Atop the ballot is the lone statewide race. Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar are vying to become Supreme Court Justice. But the spring election also includes non-partisan local races like school boards, town boards, city councils and mayoral races. Here in the City of Tomahawk, voters will elect a new mayor for the first time in a decade. Current mayor Steve Taskay isn't seeking re-election, with first-time candidates Jeff Koth and Michael 'Hob' Habeck facing off. For City Council, due to partial term appointments, there are actually five seats, but just three candidates running. The remaining two will be decided by write-in. As we previewed Monday, the City of Tomahawk is also asking to increase the tax levy. The Tomahawk School Board features two candidates for three seats. A write-in will determine the seat representing the city of Tomahawk. The Lincoln County Board uses an alternate year cycle, and all 22 supervisor seats will be up for election today. Tomahawk isn't the only community with a closely watched mayoral race here in the Northwoods. 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. Ballots will differ based on where you live. Visit myvote.wi.gov and enter your address to preview your specific ballot.

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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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