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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

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

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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.)

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk transforms into "Rib Town" this weekend as the annual Thrilla on the Grilla returns for its 16th year. Organized by the Tomahawk Lions Club, the popular rib cook-off brings together nine teams of grill masters from local restaurants, businesses, and community organizations. The competitive field includes defending champion LP Building Solutions, which swept all four competition categories in 2025. Among this year's top challengers is Winding Trail Grill and Bar, fresh off its recent "Best Burger in Paradise" title. Teams will spend hours tending smokers and perfecting their recipes to serve up hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs. In addition to the main event, pitmasters will battle in a side dish category, where past entries have featured everything from specialty potato salads and gourmet mac and cheese to unique twists on classic cookout fare. While bragging rights are on the line, the event is ultimately about great food and giving back. Thrilla on the Grilla serves as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lions Club, supporting year-round community initiatives, including the annual Pow Wow Days Fourth of July celebration. Thrilla on the Grilla runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Tomahawk. Any remaining tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event, while supplies last.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News A Nicolet College staffer and veteran will use her experiences to help others who've served following her appointment to a state legislative committee. Casey Lehmann, financial aid manager and Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official at Nicolet, has been named a Public Member of the Legislative Council Study Committee on State Veterans' Benefits. Nominated by the college, Lehmann joins a bipartisan panel made up of five state lawmakers and four other public members from across Wisconsin. Meeting this summer and fall, the committee is tasked with reviewing state veteran laws and legislative proposals to improve benefits for former service members. Lehmann says, "Supporting veterans in the Northwoods is a cornerstone of my life. I'm excited to serve on the committee and ensure Wisconsin is honoring their service, sacrifice, and resilience. A Tomahawk native and six-year veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Lehmann deployed to Iraq in 2003–2004 and later supported military families through the Guard's civilian family program. For the past eight years, she has served as Nicolet College's Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official, helping student veterans and their families navigate education benefits. Lehmann also remains deeply engaged in local veteran advocacy, actively participating in AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO Club of Tomahawk and Rhinelander, and was a key figure in bringing the traveling Vietnam War Memorial known as "The Wall That Heals" to Nicolet in 2023.

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Published on 07/31/2026 under News Just weeks after country music echoed across the Hodag grounds, the skyline is taking center stage as vibrant hot air balloons prepare to launch into the Northwoods skies. The second annual Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, bringing two days of high-flying, family-friendly fun. More than 20 colorful and uniquely shaped hot air balloons will take flight ranging from patriotic designs to crowd favorites like a giant octopus and Nemo. Attendees can take to the skies themselves during tethered rides, while each evening concludes with a signature musical balloon glow at dusk. (weather permitting) While the festival offers a welcome summer boost to local businesses, its primary mission is honoring those who serve. All proceeds directly support active military members, veterans, and first responders. Organizers are hoping to build on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event, which raised more than $38,000 for local causes, including a $30,000 donation to Camp American Legion. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. both today and Saturday, with activities running until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children ages four and under, and parking is $5.

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