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Tomahawk Hatchet Football Team Selected to Receive New Helmets from Packer Give Back Program

Published on 06/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Hatchet football team will be a bit safer on the field this fall, thanks to a donation from the Green Bay Packers. Tomahawk was one of 10 Wisconsin high school football programs selected to receive $7,500 worth of new helmets through the Packers Helmet Give Back Program. Manufactured by Schutt and VICIS, the new gear will be delivered this summer to supplement or replace the team's existing equipment. The donation is part of the Packers' broader football outreach efforts through Packers Give Back, made possible through partnerships with Ticketmaster and Certor Sports. Packers officials noted that player safety was the driving force behind the initiative, which aims to help schools provide athletes with the top-tier equipment needed to compete safely. "The program helps ensure student-athletes have access to quality safety equipment while allowing schools to dedicate limited budgets to other needs within their football programs," said Packers Football Outreach Manager Ryan Fencl. The upgrade comes at a perfect time for the Hatchets, who are currently building on a successful stretch on the field that included a deep run in the WIAA playoffs last fall. The 10 recipients were selected from a pool of more than 200 applications. Tomahawk joins Abundant Life Christian School, Arcadia, Hillsboro, Milwaukee School of Languages, Peshtigo, Reedsburg, Stanley-Boyd, Waupun, and Weyauwega-Fremont as recipients in this year's cycle.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Generally when you grab a book from the library you have to bring it back. But a monthly summer sale, allows patrons to bring materials home for keeps. The Friends of the Tomahawk Public Library are bringing back their summer book sale with the first coming up today. Friends of the Library member Nancy Herbison said the sales help raise money for library programs and other needs that may fall outside the library's regular budget. This includes sponsoring guest speakers and presenters, children's activities, as well as helping fund improvement projects on the library grounds. Visitors will find a wide variety of materials available, including hardcover and paperback books for adults, teens and children, as well as fiction and nonfiction titles. And while it's called a book sale, they'll also feature puzzles, audio books, magazines and videos. Instead of setting prices for each item, people can name their own via donation. The first sale is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tomahawk Public Library. Additional sales will be held July 8, Aug. 12 and Oct. 14.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News A partnership between the Tomahawk School District and Lincoln County to bring a dedicated social worker to campus has moved one step closer to reality. At its meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board accepted a grant funded by Lincoln County's opioid settlement dollars to support the position starting next school year. Approved last month at the recommendation of the county's Opioid Settlement Task Force, the county will contribute $154,000 over four years, while the district will cover the remaining costs. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry said the position will help bridge gaps between schools, families, and social services, while addressing the growing social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Lincoln County Social Services Director Jessi Rumsey told board members that many children and families need support but do not meet the threshold for Child Protective Services intervention. A dedicated school social worker can connect families with resources, coordinate services, and provide early intervention before problems escalate. Ultimately, the position will allow the district to take a more proactive approach to student and family needs, reducing demands on county services over time. Rumsey noted that the goal is to invest in prevention and strengthen protective factors for local families. The next steps will involve establishing the formal position and beginning the hiring process.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News An early morning fire damaged a single unit of a Vilas County condominium building on Tuesday, but quick action by fire crews kept the flames from spreading to neighboring units. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire on Golf View Road in the Town of Washington at around 4 a.m. Upon arrival, crews observed flames coming from one unit of the six-unit building. Officials said the fire was successfully contained to the unit of origin, limiting damage to the rest of the building and allowing residents in neighboring condos to evacuate safely. The unit where the fire broke out was unoccupied at the time. While the rest of the building was saved, the affected unit sustained extensive damage to its first floor. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Harley-Davidson announced Tuesday that it is bringing production of several major motorcycle lines back to the United States from overseas. That's good news right here in Tomahawk, where the iconic motorcycle company operates two manufacturing plants. Under its new "Back to the Bricks" strategy, Harley-Davidson will return assembly, machining, and painting for its Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster models to facilities in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The company noted that shifts in the global trade environment and U.S. trade policy factored into the decision. Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson, "Bringing this work back home is another important step in getting back to the bricks, investing in American manufacturing, and building on our values." According to the announcement, the transition will support dozens of union jobs and is expected to be complete by 2027, just in time for the 2028 model year.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News Two people were injured Sunday after a pair of motorcycles crashed near Tomahawk. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Somo Dam Drive near County Highway CC in the Town of Wilson. Deputies determined that both motorcycles were traveling east on Somo Dam Drive when the lead motorcyclist slowed down for debris in the road. The driver of the trailing motorcycle failed to notice in time and struck the lead bike from behind, causing the trailing driver to lose control and crash. Four people total were riding on the two motorcycles. Two of them were transported by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment.

Published on 06/10/2026 under News With a jump in temperatures this week, the Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be aware of pavement buckling on roadways. According to the DoT, when temperatures go from cool to hot conditions in a short time, pavement slabs expand and press against adjacent sections. When the pressure builds high enough, it can cause the pavement to buckle resulting in unexpected bumps or dips. The DoT says it is difficult to predict if or where buckling may occur. They're asking motorists to slow down, wear a seat belt, and focus on the roadway ahead. Watch for any roadside workers including highway crews repairing damaged pavement. Report buckled pavement to a local law enforcement agency. Picture provided by Wisconsin DoT

Published on 06/09/2026 under News With summer right around the corner and temperatures expected to climb over the next few days, local health officials are sharing tips on how to stay cool and safe during the coming months. Lincoln County Public Health Educator Kristin Bath is reminding residents that the county partners with 14 locations across Tomahawk, Merrill, and Gleason to serve as designated cooling centers. These air-conditioned facilities offer relief to residents and visitors during periods of extreme heat. In the Tomahawk area, designated cooling centers once again include: City Hall, the Library, Senior Center, Our Sister's House, and Strikers Tomahawk Bowl. (Full list below) These locations are typically open during their regular operating hours. Any facilities interested in becoming a designated cooling center are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Health Department. Bath also shared several heat safety reminders: • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. • Limit Activity: Minimize strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours. • Monitor Health: Watch for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others—especially vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. Lincoln County Cooling Centers: Gleason Bowling Center N5353 State Hwy 17, Gleason (715) 873-4588 Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-9405 Lincoln County Service Center 801 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 539-1019 MAC Home Warming Center 407 W. Main Street, Merrill (715) 722-1200 Merrill Enrichment Center 303 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 536-4226 Our Sisters' House 328 East Washington Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 224-3520 Riverside Athletic Club 500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2481 Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC) 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill (715) 536-7313 Strikers Tomahawk Bowl 309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-3245 T.B. Scott Free Library 106 W. First Street, Merrill (715) 536-7191 Tomahawk City Hall 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk (715) 453-4040 Tomahawk Public Library 300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-2455 Tomahawk Senior Center 113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-5757 Wal-Mart 505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2414

Published on 06/09/2026 under News A dip in the lake can be refreshing on a hot summer day. Up in Oneida County the Health Department is making sure some popular swimming spots are safe. The Oneida County Health Department will be conducting weekly water quality testing at popular swimming areas during the summer months. This includes Buck Lake and Boom Lake Beaches in Rhinelander, Torpy Park in Minocqua, Sugar Camp Lake in Sugar Camp, and Maple Lake Beach in Three Lakes. The goal is to help families and beach-goers make informed choices by identifying when E. coli bacteria levels become temporarily elevated, which can lead to illness. Staff will also monitor the beaches for general cleanliness and blue-green algae blooms. To inform the public, they'll use a stoplight color system: green-go ahead; yellow-caution; red-stay out. Samples will typically be collected on Mondays and Tuesdays, which allows time for a follow-up test if bacteria levels come back high. Weekly results will be posted on the Oneida County Health Department's website and Facebook page, and updated signs will be placed directly at the beaches. Testing begins this week.

Published on 06/09/2026 under News Several animals were killed and a barn was completely destroyed following a fire in Lincoln County early Monday morning. According to the Pine River Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a farm on Highway 64 just before 6:00 a.m. for a report of a barn fully engulfed in flames. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire showing from all sides of the structure, and the roof had already collapsed. While crews brought the blaze under control within 15 minutes, they remained on the scene for another two hours to extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul operations. The property owner told investigators that the barn housed small animals, including rabbits, turkeys, and chickens. While some chickens managed to escape, officials confirmed that most of the animals inside were lost to the fire. Due to the extensive damage, investigators were unable to determine an exact cause. However, the property owner reported that a heat lamp had been in use the night before the fire broke out.

Published on 06/09/2026 under News As fundraising efforts continue for Tomahawk's planned downtown historical marker, supporters will have a unique opportunity to mix local history with a few ghost stories. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Area Historical Society are hosting their "Let's Get Spooky" fundraiser at Bootleggers Lodge. This is the second of three planned events designed to fund the downtown historical marker and an additional educational signage project. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz said this event builds on the success of the organizations' recent Ghost Walk, which explored paranormal tales connected to downtown buildings. This time, the event heads north to the popular Lake Nokomis restaurant, where presenters will discuss the history of the building, the business, and the region's bootlegging past. Adding to the evening's theme, members of the Wausau Paranormal Research Society will be on hand to discuss reported hauntings and unexplained activity at the establishment. Turkiewicz says, "A lot of folks talk about the hauntings and the things that take place at Bootleggers...We're going to see if we can maybe capture some of those moments." In addition to the local history and paranormal investigations, attendees can enjoy moonshine-themed refreshments, snacks, tarot card readings, and souvenir photos provided by Vicky's Photoshop. The ultimate goal of the partnership between Tomahawk Main Street and the Historical Society is to install a permanent historical marker in the downtown boulevard near the intersection of Wisconsin and Tomahawk Avenues, alongside educational signage highlighting some of the district's history. You can find full details for tonight's event listed in the WJJQ Community Calendar.

Published on 06/09/2026 under News Another successful spring turkey season highlights the impressive, long-term comeback of the wild turkey in Wisconsin. According to harvest data released by the Department of Natural Resources this week, hunters registered approximately 48,000 turkeys during the recently completed spring season. That total is roughly 8.6% above the five-year average. This spring also marked 50 years since wild turkeys were successfully reintroduced to Wisconsin, which led to the first hunt seven years later. Today, the DNR says the state's turkey populations remain highly stable, and the birds can be found in all 72 counties. DNR gamebird biologist Taylor Finger called the reintroduction of wild turkeys a remarkable success. He noted that recent mild winters, above-average nesting and brood rearing have led to a healthy turkey population with trends indicating stable-to-increasing numbers across most of the state." Hunter participation also remained steady. Just over 235,000 tags were issued for the spring season, resulting in an approximate 20% success rate for tag holders, slightly lower than last year but in line with the past several seasons. While the spring hunt is by far the most popular, Wisconsin also offers a fall turkey season, though it typically draws fewer participants.

Published on 06/09/2026 under News One person is dead and three others are injured following a two-vehicle crash in Price County over the weekend. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, dispatchers received several 911 calls just before 1:00 p.m. Sunday reporting a collision at the intersection of Highway 111 and County Highway J in the Town of Harmony, southwest of Phillips. Deputies say the driver of a van involved in the crash, a 74-year-old Kennan woman, died from her injuries. Her name has not yet been released. The three occupants of the second vehicle, an SUV, were transported from the scene with serious injuries. There is no current update on their conditions. No further details regarding the cause of the crash have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 06/08/2026 under News Tomahawk's signature Fourth of July celebration is less than a month away, and preparations for Powwow Days are entering the home stretch. As in years past, the Tomahawk Lions Club is counting on strong community support to make the event a success. Leading the fundraising charge is longtime Lion Kevin Wickstrom, who has spent the past several weeks making his annual rounds to local businesses. He recently stopped by the WJJQ studios to share an update on this year's efforts. Putting on the annual celebration is no small undertaking. Wickstrom noted that costs have climbed to approximately $25,000, driven largely by the rising price of fireworks. While the Lions Club's fundraising events and efforts offset some of these expenses, donations from local businesses and individuals remain essential. By the time Independence Day arrives, Wickstrom estimates he will have visited roughly 230 donors and logged hundreds of miles. Despite current economic challenges, he says community support has remained remarkably strong. In fact, he noted that some businesses have been even more generous this year. He joked, "A lot of people are expecting me when I walk through the door and already have a check ready." Powwow Days features a full slate of activities, including running races, a parade, a water ski show, and the traditional fireworks display. Because July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, organizers expect the holiday weekend to draw even larger crowds than usual to the Tomahawk area. As the countdown continues, Wickstrom emphasized that the community's willingness to step up remains one of Tomahawk's greatest strengths. He says, "I just appreciate all the businesses and individuals that donate to the cause. The support is tremendous." How to Donate: For those who have not yet been contacted but would like to contribute to Powwow Days, Wickstrom encourages them to reach out directly by calling or texting him at 715-437-0548.

Published on 06/08/2026 under News The shores of Lake Mohawksin were filled with kids, veterans, and plenty of smiles this past weekend. Saturday marked the revival of the Youth Fishing Contest, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Tomahawk VFW, American Legion, and Auxiliary. The event returned after a hiatus of several years with a dual mission: to spark children's interest in outdoor recreation and to build strong relationships between local youth and veterans. Organizers reported that 25 youngsters registered for the tournament, catching and releasing a total of 77 fish. Volunteers, mostly local veterans, spent the day measuring catches, untangling lines, and keeping the action moving smoothly. Top catches of the day included a 10 inch perch landed by Delaney Lampe.Winning Entries: Age 0-5: 1st Geri Glenzer 6 1/2 " perch Age 6-9 1st Delaney Lampe 10" perch Age 10-12 1st Brianna Butalla 7" perchThanks to generous community support, no one left empty-handed; every participant received a goodie bag loaded with fishing gear. Organizers called the revival a success and plan to make the Youth Fishing Classic an annual tradition, with hopes of welcoming even more young anglers to the waterfront next summer.

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