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Tomahawk Police, Nokomis Fire Receive WPS Rewarding Responders Grants

Published on 08/27/2026 under News First responders across the Northwoods have been receiving new emergency response tools this week to help keep their communities safe. The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation has been awarding grants of up to $2,000 to law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS agencies across the region through its Rewarding Responders grant program. That generosity included a pair of stops right here in the Tomahawk area. The Tomahawk Police Department received a grant to purchase additional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units for cardiac emergencies. As highlighted during Tuesday's Health and Safety Meeting, the department's current units are nearing the end of their service life and the model discontinued. AEDs typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and require regular maintenance. A bit further north, the Nokomis Fire Department was also selected for a Rewarding Responders grant. They will use the funds to purchase an adaptable piercing nozzle kit—a specialized tool designed to quickly direct water into confined spaces such as engine compartments, semi-trailers, or basements. During this cycle, the WPS Foundation is distributing $75,000. Since Rewarding Responders was established in 2014, the program has awarded $750,000 to emergency responders across its service area, primarily focusing on the Northwoods and Fox Valley.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News With school bells set to ring across the Northwoods in the coming days, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding parents and students to prioritize traffic safety, starting right at the bus stop. Officials encourage families to review the "SAFE" guidelines to keep children secure during their morning and afternoon commutes. S – Stay back: Keep at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.A – Always wait: Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals that it is safe to board.F – Face forward: Find a seat quickly and remain seated facing front for the entire ride.E – Exit carefully: Watch your step when getting off, and look left-right-left before crossing the street.Officers strongly recommend that parents of younger or first-time students take a trial walk to their assigned bus stop before the first day of class to practice these safety habits together. Motorists are also urged to stay alert for children near bus stops and walking to school. We'll have a few additional reminders before the first day of class.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A local establishment is considered a total loss following a heavy commercial structure fire early Wednesday morning along State Highway 70. Minocqua Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Sheri's Pub N Grub shortly before 2:00 a.m. Crews arrived on the scene to find the building fully engulfed in flames. Initial suppression efforts were hindered by a ruptured gas line, which kept the fire fueled until crews from Wisconsin Public Service arrived to secure the utilities. While the emergency utility shutoff triggered power outages for surrounding residents, officials noted the step was essential to ensure firefighter safety. More than a dozen area departments assisted in the five-hour operation, relying on multiple water supplies and specialized equipment to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The blaze was one of two major fires in the Lakeland area early Wednesday morning. Just 45 minutes into the operation, mutual aid resources were stretched as crews were called to a second emergency nearby. (Arbor Vitae Fire Claims Home) Both lead departments praised the critical role of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the dual emergencies and expressed gratitude to the many regional agencies that stepped up to assist.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A home in Arbor Vitae was destroyed early Wednesday morning in a fire, one of two responses across the Lakeland area. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the scene just 45 minutes after a blaze broke out at an establishment in neighboring Minocqua. (read more on Fire Destroys Sheri's Pub N Grub in Minocqua) Several Arbor Vitae units that had just arrived to assist at the Minocqua scene were immediately redirected back to their home district following initial concerns that occupants might be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames spreading rapidly through the house. Crews pushed through intense heat to perform a primary search, confirming that no residents were inside. Shortly after the search was completed, the roof collapsed under severe fire damage. While the home was deemed a total loss, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Minocqua Fire & Rescue and Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue both highlighted the vital role played by the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the simultaneous incidents, thanking the neighboring volunteer departments for their swift assistance.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News Night owls across the Northwoods may want to keep their eyes on the skies tonight. A full moon paired with a partial lunar eclipse will sweep across the region Thursday evening into the early morning hours of Friday. August's full moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, will see Earth's shadow cover roughly 96% of its surface, casting a striking, deep rusty-red glow over the lunar landscape. While skywatchers shouldn't expect much aurora activity tonight due to minimal forecast predictions, Northern Lights conditions look slightly more promising for Friday night. Local viewers won't need telescopes or special glasses to take in the near-total eclipse. For the best view of the red moon, head away from city lights around 11:00 p.m.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News State health and wildlife officials have issued an updated guide to help anglers safely enjoy Wisconsin fish. The DNR and Department of Health Services released the latest edition of their Choose Wisely guide on Tuesday. While fish offer great lean protein and healthy omega-3s, they can absorb environmental pollutants like mercury and PFAS over time. DNR toxicologist Sean Strom says staff regularly test fish across state waterways to update recommendations, noting it's critical for frequent fish-eaters to check for new advisories. Depending on the body of water, fish species, and individual health factors, recommendations may suggest limiting fish meals to once a week, once a month, or avoiding consumption altogether. While most Wisconsin waters have no restrictions, several local lakes and rivers do carry specific guidelines. The full 2026–2028 Choose Wisely guide is available online, with advisory signs posted at popular public boat launches.

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Sports Headlines

Tomahawk Cross Country Opens Season With Top 10 Finishes in Rhinelander

Published on 08/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country Squads began 2026 with top ten finishes at the Hodag Invitational in Rhinelander Thursday morning. The Hatchet girls placed third overall, finishing just 12 points behind meet champion Lakeland. The top Hatchet finisher was Charlee Lund, who placed third overall with a time of 21:28. The other top 10 finisher for the Hatchet girls was Elise Gibeault, placing ninth with a time of 22:29. As for the Hatchet Boys, Tomahawk would finish seventh overall. DC Everest would take the Hodag Invitational Boys Title. The top Hatchet finishers came from Connor Zorn and Jordyn Carew. Zorn placed 33rd with a time of 20:11. Carew placed 34th with a time of 20:12. The next meet for Tomahawk will be next Thursday, hosted by Marathon. Events begin at 4:30. Top Team Finishes from the Hodag Invite: Girls: Lakeland – 1st Rhinelander – 2nd Tomahawk – 3rd Three Lakes/Phelps – 4th Merrill – 6th Boys: Lakeland – 2nd Rhinelander – 3rd Northland Pines – 5th Laona-Wabeno – 6th Tomahawk – 7th Crandon – 8th Goodman-Pembine – 9th

Published on 08/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Football squad opened up 2026 with a whimper at Hatchet Field Friday night, losing to the Luther Knights, 27-6. Tomahawk responded Luther's opening-drive touchdown with a two-yard run from Max Larson. However, the Hatchets would fail to find the end zone after the first quarter. Luther countered with two scores in the second quarter, including one right after a muffed punt with two minutes left. As a team, Tomahawk rushed for 136 yards on 43 carries. Hudson Evans led the way in rushing with 46 yards on seven carries. Larson had 44 yards to go with his lone score. The Hatchets lose their first season opener since 2023 to drop to 0-1 on the season. Tomahawk will go on the road for the first time next week as they head to Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth from Charger Field in Wittenberg. Other Week 1 Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Northland Pines 14, Antigo 8 Lakeland 42, Hayward 14 Holmen 21, Medford 14 La Crosse Central 46, Merrill 16 Stratford 31, Mosinee 0 Rhinelander 20, Ashland 7 Wausau East 28, Shawano 0 Nekoosa 38, Crandon 0 Abbotsford 21, Markesan 8 8-Player Football: Athens 30, Niagara 8 Three Lakes/Phelps 28, Florence 12 Mellen/Butternut/Mercer 64, Prentice 28 Laona-Wabeno 12, Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas 6 Elcho/White Lake 22, Goodman-Pembine 6

Published on 08/20/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers opened up their season with a 13th-place finish at the Fun In the Sun Outdoor Relays in Merrill Thursday evening. The Hatchets competed in five different relays in the event. Tomahawk placed ninth in the 500 freestyle relay, swam by Aubrey Tollefson, Sloane Eisenman, Kaylee Roberts, and Kami Gabrich. The Hatchets placed 12th in the 200 Butterfly Relay, swam by Tollefson, Gabrich, Roberts, and Kortney Busterud. Tomahawk's highest finish in the meet was eighth in the 200 Backstroke Relay. The Hatchets then capped off the night with a tenth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke. Tomahawk will have a couple of weeks off before their next meet, which will be a home double dual with Great Northern Conference foes Lakeland and Mosinee September 3rd.

Published on 08/19/2026 under Sports A Hatchet athlete will continue her softball career in the Fox Cities after she graduates. Tomahawk Senior Averi Petta announced her commitment yesterday to play softball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In her three years in Tomahawk, Petta pitched and played in the infield. In a statement, Petta extended a thank you to her parents for their unconditional support. She also thanked Coaches John Larson and Ron Volz for helping her grow from her first day of practice as a freshman. As for her athletic career, Petta will wrap up her high school career as a hitter on the Hatcher Volleyball squad in the fall while also playing for Tomahawk's softball squad in the spring.

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.

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