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Hatchet Wrestlers Win Bluejay Inviational Published on 01/07/2019 under Sports

On Saturday, the Tomahawk Hatchet Wrestling Team won the Merrill Bluejay Invitational. Tomahawk scored 426 points, with Wausau West second, Prairie Du Chien third and Merrill finishing fourth.

Here are individual results from Saturday's meet:

106
Blake Felser (17-6) placed 5th and scored 30.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Blake Felser (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by decision over Trevor Schenzel (Merrill) 12-14 (Dec 4-2)
• Round 2 - Blake Felser (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over Julia Cox (Barron) 6-15 (Fall 3:09)
• Round 3 - Tim Fox (Rhinelander) 15-7 won by fall over Blake Felser (Tomahawk) 17-6 (Fall 2:13)
• Consolation Bracket - Blake Felser (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over Hunter Feyereisen (Saint Croix Central) 8-8 (Fall 1:10)
• 5th Place Match - Blake Felser (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over David Hughes (Chippewa Falls) 12-9 (Fall 3:06)
113
Gage Robinson (10-6) placed 6th and scored 26.5 team points.
• Round 1 - Gage Robinson (Tomahawk) 10-6 won by major decision over Colton Cahill (Amherst) 3-7 (MD 12-0)
• Round 2 - Gage Robinson (Tomahawk) 10-6 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 3 - Jacob Pease (Wausau West) 14-4 won by decision over Gage Robinson (Tomahawk) 10-6 (Dec 8-6)
• Consolation Bracket - Gage Robinson (Tomahawk) 10-6 won by tech fall over Zander Ginet (Three Lakes/Phelps) 9-12 (TF-1.5 6:00 (15-0))
• 5th Place Match - Harry Nemcek (Lakeland/Mercer) 19-11 won by major decision over Gage Robinson (Tomahawk) 10-6 (MD 20-7)
120
Lance Knight (21-6) placed 5th and scored 31.5 team points.
• Round 1 - Lance Knight (Tomahawk) 21-6 won by fall over Trevor Schunk (Crandon) 5-9 (Fall 1:29)
• Round 2 - Lance Knight (Tomahawk) 21-6 won by fall over Will Swanson (Rhinelander) 5-15 (Fall 0:49)
• Round 3 - David Olson (Saint Croix Central) 13-9 won by decision over Lance Knight (Tomahawk) 21-6 (Dec 7-3)
• Consolation Bracket - Lance Knight (Tomahawk) 21-6 won by fall over Max Kersten (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) 3-7 (Fall 0:25)
• 5th Place Match - Lance Knight (Tomahawk) 21-6 won by tech fall over Dejsia Yang (Wausau West) 16-11 (TF-1.5 5:01 (15-0))
126
Luke Knight (22-5) placed 5th and scored 31.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Luke Knight (Tomahawk) 22-5 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 3 - Luke Knight (Tomahawk) 22-5 won by fall over Sylas Schaberg (Amherst) 5-10 (Fall 0:49)
• Quarterfinal - Tim Burnett (Lakeland/Mercer) 16-10 won by fall over Luke Knight (Tomahawk) 22-5 (Fall 3:14)
• Cons. Round 2 - Luke Knight (Tomahawk) 22-5 won by major decision over Kyle Wiseman (Adams-Friendship) 13-8 (MD 16-3)
• 5th Place Match - Luke Knight (Tomahawk) 22-5 won by decision over Bryce Zoromski (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) 17-9 (Dec 7-0)
132
Alex Bishop (18-5) placed 2nd and scored 40.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Alex Bishop (Tomahawk) 18-5 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 2 - Alex Bishop (Tomahawk) 18-5 won by fall over Alex Martinez (Barron) 8-17 (Fall 1:36)
• Round 3 - Alex Bishop (Tomahawk) 18-5 won by fall over Alex Lorbecke (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) 9-10 (Fall 2:22)
• Championship Bracket - Alex Bishop (Tomahawk) 18-5 won by decision over Gabriel Ramos (Wausau West) 19-9 (Dec 10-7)
• 1st Place Match - Keenan Holley (Prairie du Chien) 12-7 won in sudden victory - 1 over Alex Bishop (Tomahawk) 18-5 (SV-1 6-4)
138
Logan Bishop (21-5) placed 2nd and scored 41.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Logan Bishop (Tomahawk) 21-5 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 2 - Logan Bishop (Tomahawk) 21-5 won by fall over Bradley Shepherd (Crandon) 7-6 (Fall 4:28)
• Round 3 - Logan Bishop (Tomahawk) 21-5 won by major decision over Tyler Dormanen (Boyceville) 10-10 (MD 12-0)
• Championship Bracket - Logan Bishop (Tomahawk) 21-5 won by fall over Lucas Wanty (Three Lakes/Phelps) 9-6 (Fall 3:02)
• 1st Place Match - Reid Koenig (Prairie du Chien) 16-3 won by fall over Logan Bishop (Tomahawk) 21-5 (Fall 0:27)
145
Isaiah Sheffler (14-10) placed 9th and scored 20.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Jakob Lipinski (Edgar) 12-9 won by fall over Isaiah Sheffler (Tomahawk) 14-10 (Fall 1:37)
• Round 2 - Isaiah Sheffler (Tomahawk) 14-10 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 3 - Traeton Saint (Prairie du Chien) 19-5 won by fall over Isaiah Sheffler (Tomahawk) 14-10 (Fall 1:23)
• Consolation Bracket - Isaiah Sheffler (Tomahawk) 14-10 received a bye () (Bye)
• 9th Place Match - Isaiah Sheffler (Tomahawk) 14-10 won by decision over Jonas Hicks (Adams-Friendship) 5-13 (Dec 2-1)
152
Marcus Matti (11-12) placed 11th and scored 12.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Will Urquhart (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) 15-11 won by decision over Marcus Matti (Tomahawk) 11-12 (Dec 7-2)
• Round 2 - Brock Schlough (Boyceville) 26-0 won by fall over Marcus Matti (Tomahawk) 11-12 (Fall 2:08)
• Round 3 - Marcus Matti (Tomahawk) 11-12 won by decision over Logan Shackelton (Saint Croix Central) 2-12 (Dec 8-5)
• Consolation Bracket - Anthony Kujawa (Adams-Friendship) 7-6 won by fall over Marcus Matti (Tomahawk) 11-12 (Fall 3:26)
• 11th Place Match - Marcus Matti (Tomahawk) 11-12 won by decision over Dillan Adams (Barron) 5-7 (Dec 9-2)
160
Wyatt Wenninger (24-5) placed 2nd and scored 42.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Wyatt Wenninger (Tomahawk) 24-5 won by fall over Cassius Ramirez (Sun Prairie) 2-6 (Fall 0:30)
• Round 2 - Wyatt Wenninger (Tomahawk) 24-5 won by fall over Trystan Sanderfoot (Three Lakes/Phelps) 7-11 (Fall 0:54)
• Round 3 - Wyatt Wenninger (Tomahawk) 24-5 won by fall over Isaac Avery (Prairie du Chien) 11-12 (Fall 1:53)
• Championship Bracket - Wyatt Wenninger (Tomahawk) 24-5 won by fall over Ross Kaz (Chippewa Falls) 19-10 (Fall 5:10)
• 1st Place Match - Ty Guden (Edgar) 15-2 won by decision over Wyatt Wenninger (Tomahawk) 24-5 (Dec 3-1)
170
Ryan Skyees (10-13) placed 10th and scored 16.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Tyler Smock (Prairie du Chien) 18-9 won by fall over Ryan Skyees (Tomahawk) 10-13 (Fall 1:02)
• Round 2 - Harry Nawrot (Adams-Friendship) 15-5 won by fall over Ryan Skyees (Tomahawk) 10-13 (Fall 1:10)
• Round 3 - Ryan Skyees (Tomahawk) 10-13 received a bye () (Bye)
• Consolation Bracket - Ryan Skyees (Tomahawk) 10-13 won by decision over Ethan Cordova (Merrill) 7-14 (Dec 6-3)
• 9th Place Match - RJ Knetter (Edgar) 12-6 won by fall over Ryan Skyees (Tomahawk) 10-13 (Fall 1:43)
182
Kade Wenninger (17-6) placed 5th and scored 32.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Kade Wenninger (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over Forfeit Forfeit (Prairie du Chien) 8-10 (Fall 1:33)
• Round 2 - Kade Wenninger (Tomahawk) 17-6 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 3 - Brock Handrick (Edgar) 20-2 won by fall over Kade Wenninger (Tomahawk) 17-6 (Fall 1:02)
• Consolation Bracket - Kade Wenninger (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over Ben Sinclair (Rhinelander) 14-8 (Fall 4:55)
• 5th Place Match - Kade Wenninger (Tomahawk) 17-6 won by fall over Nathan LaRue (Wausau West) 15-12 (Fall 3:18)
195
Eric Decker (21-4) placed 1st and scored 50.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Eric Decker (Tomahawk) 21-4 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 2 - Eric Decker (Tomahawk) 21-4 won by fall over Jordan Haag (Barron) 7-19 (Fall 0:28)
• Round 3 - Eric Decker (Tomahawk) 21-4 won by fall over Joseph Nienow (Wausau West) 7-12 (Fall 2:22)
• Championship Bracket - Eric Decker (Tomahawk) 21-4 won by fall over Justyn Kniprath (Adams-Friendship) 11-7 (Fall 1:26)
• 1st Place Match - Eric Decker (Tomahawk) 21-4 won by fall over Brendan Shannon (Sun Prairie) 16-8 (Fall 4:46)
220
Tony Matti (23-5) placed 3rd and scored 38.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Tony Matti (Tomahawk) 23-5 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 2 - Tony Matti (Tomahawk) 23-5 received a bye () (Bye)
• Round 3 - Tony Matti (Tomahawk) 23-5 won by fall over Lucas Edelburg (Amherst) 10-9 (Fall 1:01)
• Championship Bracket - Colten Wall (Prairie du Chien) 12-5 won by fall over Tony Matti (Tomahawk) 23-5 (Fall 3:19)
• 3rd Place Match - Tony Matti (Tomahawk) 23-5 won by forfeit over Luke Wright (Prairie du Chien) 14-4 (For.)
285
Austin Leinen (12-9) placed 11th and scored 16.0 team points.
• Round 1 - Ryan McKibben (Edgar) 15-8 won by fall over Austin Leinen (Tomahawk) 12-9 (Fall 1:47)
• Round 2 - John Farkas (Amherst) 16-6 won by fall over Austin Leinen (Tomahawk) 12-9 (Fall 0:32)
• Round 3 - Austin Leinen (Tomahawk) 12-9 won by fall over Mickie Wiza (Almond-Bancroft/Pacelli) 1-9 (Fall 2:34)
• Consolation Bracket - Vaughn Albrecht (Merrill) 10-5 won by fall over Austin Leinen (Tomahawk) 12-9 (Fall 1:47)
• 11th Place Match - Austin Leinen (Tomahawk) 12-9 won by fall over William Weise (Barron) 10-17 (Fall 0:57)

In Other News

Tomahawk Salvation Army Prepares for Annual Bell Ringing Campaign

Published on 11/17/2025 under News As the seasons shift, the familiar sound of the Salvation Army Bell Ringers will soon fill the Northwoods. Here in Tomahawk, the local Salvation Army chapter is kicking off their holiday bell ringing efforts a bit later this week. Ahead of the launch we spoke with organizers Terry Derleth and Win Semmler. The bell ringing effort is their main source of funding, and 86 cents for every dollar donated stays in the community it's collected. Last year, the Tomahawk Chapter raised just shy of $35,000. Derleth says they are hoping to match that total. She noted those funds are utilized their temporary emergency voucher program and the Happy Kids Backpack program. With the Bell Ringing set to begin Friday and running through Christmas, there are 28 days to fill. Semmler says they've been fortunate to have a groups and businesses volunteer to ring as a team, filling 23 of the 28 days. That includes local banks, churches, realty offices, school staff and local non-profits. Derleth added that ringing can be a rewarding way to spend a few hours ahead of the holidays. She added that it is one of the highlights of her entire year. They'll be back at their two traditional locations, Trigs and in front of the post office downtown. People can call or text Semmler at 630-667-3250 or email win.semmler@gmail.com

Published on 11/17/2025 under News It was America Recycles Day on Saturday, and the DNR announced latest winners of the Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards including a Northwoods winner. This year, a record 22 recipients received awards across four categories: Projects and Initiatives, Overall Program, Special Events and Innovation. Among the Special Event winners was the 3rd Annual Recycling Extravaganza held in Eagle River over the summer. The effort, organized by Robert Blaus, served as a one-stop shop for a number of items and materials including: electronics and metal; a prescription drug take-back; American flag retirement; and eyewear and hearing aids collection for redistribution. And for a small town, the numbers were impressive…When the collection, there said there were already more than 500 vehicles waiting in line. They collected 25 tons of electronics and 26,000 pounds of metal and appliances along with 49 pounds of pharmaceuticals. The effort also supported the Vilas County Food Pantry. Recyclers contributed nearly 900 pounds of non-perishable food items and more than $1,200 in monetary donations. Organizers said they are already looking forward to the 4th Annual Recycling Extravaganza next summer. For the last 13 years, the DNR has celebrated outstanding recycling and waste minimization efforts through its annual awards recognizing high-performers and highlighting proven ideas and strategies that other organizations may use to improve their recycling efforts.

Published on 11/17/2025 under News As the use of electric vehicles grows, so does the need for a reliable charging network. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced additional funding to build charging stations around the state including several locations here in the Northwoods. The funds come from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. According to the announcement, these fast-charging stations will help ensure residents and visitors alike have access to the charging infrastructure needed to travel from point A to point B in Wisconsin. In all 26 locations will share in $14 million in partial match funding. Locally, that includes: the Kwik Trips in both Arbor Vitae and Marathon City; along with the Prentice Truck and Travel Center and the Merrill Travelodge by Wyndham. The charging stations will be built along Wisconsin's Alternative Fuel Corridor, reaching all corners of the state to support the more than 37,000 EVs registered in the state, as well as travelers and visitors. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "WisDOT is pleased to help offer drivers reliable and convenient places to stop, so they can feel comfortable making a trip across the state and have the opportunity to support local businesses along the way." The locations of every planned charging station can be found on WisDOT's EV charging station dashboard.

Published on 11/17/2025 under News Emergency management teams around the state are reminding residents to prepare for the upcoming winter season. It's time for Wisconsin Winter Awareness Week. In the coming days, safety officials and meteorologists will be sharing valuable information and safety tips as people prepare for what Mother Nature has to offer in the coming months. According to the National Weather Service, Wisconsin averages three to six major winter storms each season. For a second consecutive winter, it was unusually mild with below average snowfall totals and above normal temperatures. Despite the relatively mild winters, preparation remains important. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Being prepared doesn't have to be complicated, but it does take a little time and planning. That effort can make all the difference for you and your loved ones." That includes preparing home and vehicle emergency kits, going over a family emergency plan, and paying attention to weather forecasts. Stay tuned to WJJQ all week long for additional information on Winter Awareness Week.

Published on 11/17/2025 under News The countdown is on for the opening of the 9-day gun-deer season. And while the goal is to bag a buck, the most important thing to remember is safety. That starts with TAB-K. What may seem like a nonsensical phrase, TAB-K is the mnemonic device that safety official use to help hunters handle their firearms properly. They are all common recommendations found in the Hunter's Safety Courses. The DNR offered a quick refresher.The T stands for Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.The A stands for Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.The B Be certain of your target, and what is in front of and beyond it.And the K Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.Last season there was a single, non-fatal firearm incident during the gun-deer season. The victim was struck in the foot by an errant shot. Stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the week for coverage of the deer season.

Published on 11/17/2025 under News Earlier this year, community members in the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff area kicked off an effort to form a new Lions Club.As recruitment efforts continue, they draw closer to getting the 20 members needed to officially form a new chapter. According to the latest update, they are more than half way there. While not official just yet, those members are already giving back to the community participating last month's Food for Kidz, where they picked up two more recruits. They're hosting another meeting this evening at 6pm in the Arbor Vitae Town Hall. They encourage people interested to attend to learn more, get involved, and help in the creation of the new chapter.

Published on 11/14/2025 under News We're still around six weeks from Christmas, but Northwoods volunteers are already busy preparing a global gift giving outreach. While a simple concept, Operation Christmas Child makes a big difference in the lives of children around the world. Ahead of each holiday season, the volunteers fill shoe boxes with small gifts like toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. The boxes are then distributed to children in need. Maria Nakala is the regional coordinator, overseeing the collection in 6 Northwoods counties. She made her annual stop to the WJJQ studios this week to drop off supplies and talk a bit about the collection. She's been part of the program for around 25 years. She said she got involved 'to bring joy.' She notes some items we may take for granted are incredibly meaningful using examples of a wash cloth or notebook. Even what Nakala called a 'wow item' can be simple like a soccer ball and hand pump. As for the packaging, Nakala says a boxing afternoon can be a fun group activity for family and friends. She includes her children and grandchildren. In order to get those boxes out in time for Christmas, they're already collecting boxes. We've got some instructional pamphlets and boxes here at the WJJQ office. They've also got info on the Operation Christmas Child website.

Published on 11/14/2025 under News Earlier this summer, Lincoln County sold Pine Crest Nursing Home. Now the Board is looking to use proceeds of the sale for some facility and maintenance projects. At their meeting Wednesday morning, the supervisors passed a resolution by voice vote outlining priority projects which they'll utilize the proceeds, approximately $1.8 million, according to the resolution. The County Board had previously established an Ad Hoc Facilities Committee to create a priority list. Prior to the vote, Administrative Coordinator Renee Krueger offered a presentation. Among the projects listed in the resolution are:Architectural Design for the Service Center (base cost $40,165 + additional expenses)Service Center Roof ($310,000)Proceed with Phase 1 & Phase 2 of the Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Comprehensive Plan 2025, moving services from the Health and Human Services Building to the Service Center, which include building offices and conference room modifications on the first floor and ground floorJail Roof Replacement ($350,000) and Jail Boiler Replacement ($210,000)Proceed with Phase 3 of the Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Comprehensive Plan 2025, relocating the Forestry Department and making renovations for additional water labs and drug testing bathrooms to accommodate the Health Department moving to the Service CenterThe proceeds are to be expensed by August 1, 2027. Meanwhile, the Board postponed a vote on a resolution that would have hired an engineering firm for architectural and design work to address the aging Highway Department facilities in Merrill and Tomahawk. After a lengthy discussion, the board sent the resolution back to the Highway Committee.

Published on 11/14/2025 under News There are a number of published authors around the Northwoods. An event this weekend in Rhinelander is looking to highlight them. The Rhinelander District Library is preparing to host their third annual Local Author Fair. This year they've arranged to have 15 authors, along with two local writing groups. Among those who will be in attendence: Thomas E. Burg, Pamela JA Fullerton, Jim Finucan, Rachael Walburger, Kathryn Springer, Rand Atkinson, Tabitha Krueger, Anastasia Stelse, Andrew Egan, Mark Miazga, Coyote TF Herron, Lynne Austin, Barbara Perkins, Judith E. Hankes, and Johnny Bock. There's a variety of genres represented including fiction and nonfiction, children's books, poetry and novels. One commonality however are the authors ties to the state, and the Northwoods in particular. That link is often used as a setting or influence in the author's work. Organizers note that readers will be able to connect with the authors to gain some insight into their backgrounds, writing process, and inspiration. Following the meet and greet, they'll have a keynote speech from Claire Swinarski, author of The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County. It begins at 9:30am Saturday morning with the keynote speech at 11:30am at the Rhinelander District Library.

Published on 11/14/2025 under News Home to two Harley-Davidson factories and the Fall Ride, the Tomahawk community knows a thing or two about motorcycles and the rider community. With Veterans Day earlier this week, the Harley-Davidson gave back to those who served thanks to their Ride for Heroes Challenge. The company contributed $1 million to be shared among nine military, veteran and first responder organizations. According to the announcement, the donation was activated by the success of their largest and most ambitious riding challenged they've ever launched. The effort took place over a 7 month period that began in March. In the end, more than 29,000 participants logged more than 83 million miles on their Harley Davidson motorcycles. Theo Keetell, HD VP of Marketing says, "The Harley-Davidson community is always ready to step up to support those who keep us safe and free." He added, "(This challenge) combined fun with purpose, and (we were) overwhelmed with the positive response." And the giving isn't over. Five lucky riders from the Challenge will be awarded with new Harley Davidson motorcycles.

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