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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

Housing Development Agreement Approved in Tomahawk; Aims for 72 New Units

Published on 06/03/2026 under News A major housing development is moving forward in Tomahawk. At their meeting Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved a development agreement with S.C. Swiderski for a new 72-unit apartment complex on the city's east side. The project, located off of Comfort Drive, has been years in the making. Community Development Authority Chairman Roger Schlegel told council members the CDA has spent the last five years working through site challenges, including wetlands and the need for significant fill, to bring the project to fruition. Schlegel noted that rising construction costs and interest rates have made public incentives increasingly important in getting new housing projects like this built. Under the agreement, the CDA will transfer the property to the developer, who must begin construction by September and complete the project by 2028. The development is expected to have a minimum assessed value of $9.5 million. The developer will also be eligible for a $400,000 tax increment financing grant, but only after the city is reimbursed for its land acquisition costs through new tax revenue generated by the project. Construction is expected to begin this fall and take approximately 18 months to complete, adding 72 much-needed apartment units to Tomahawk's housing inventory. Mosinee-based SC Swiderski lists housing and apartment holdings in more than 30 communities around the state including Athens, Eagle River, Merrill, Medford, and Wausau.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has taken the first step toward restricting artificial wake enhancement on Lake Mohawksin. Council members on Tuesday introduced a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, and wake-shaping fins designed to create larger boat wakes. Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce shoreline erosion, protect private property, and limit the spread of invasive species. The proposal was recommended by the city's Parks and Recreation Committee and supported by the Friends of Lake Mohawksin. Traditional boating activities, including water skiing, tubing, and standard wakeboarding, would still be allowed. An exemption is also included for the Kwahamot Water Ski Club. Police Chief Al Elvins raised concerns about enforcement and noted that similar regulations adopted elsewhere in Wisconsin are currently facing legal challenges. This is just the beginning of the process. Before the ordinance can officially take effect, it must be reviewed by the DNR, face a public hearing, receive final council approval, and be matched by an identical ordinance from the Town of Bradley.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News Today is Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin, and safety officials are urging residents to prepare before summer temperatures spike. According to preliminary data from the State Department of Health Services, Wisconsin saw ten heat-related deaths and over one thousand emergency room visits last year. State emergency management and health officials say heat-related illness and death is preventable. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive...Now is the time to have a plan" To beat the heat this summer, ReadyWisconsin recommends staying in air-conditioned buildings during the hottest parts of the day, wearing loose clothing, and drinking plenty of water before you feel thirsty. They also issue a stark warning about vehicles: on an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can jump 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle. Pay attention to heat advisories, watches, and warnings. Be sure to check on vulnerable populations including children, older adults and outdoor workers when it gets hot, and look out for warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including confusion, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News A Price County man has drowned in what appears to be a tragic accident on an area lake. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Lac Sault Dore in the Town of Elk following reports of an unresponsive man in the water near a pontoon boat. The man's body was recovered and brought back to shore, where he was pronounced dead. Based on a preliminary investigation, it appears the man was filling the fuel tank on the pontoon when his leg became trapped in the boat ladder. He was unable to free himself from underwater. The victim has been identified as Stanley Gruszka of Phillips. The incident remains under investigation. This marks the fourth boat or water-related death in the Northwoods over the past three weeks.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News It was another busy day for local fire departments, as crews battled several wildfires across the region on Tuesday. While the Northwoods is finally starting to green up, an extremely dry month of May has kept fire conditions elevated. According to the Department of Natural Resources, crews responded to five wildfires on Tuesday alone, which burned just under five acres. Four of those fires occurred right here in our listening area in the Town of Bradley, Woodruff, Lac du Flambeau, and Land O' Lakes. Officials say standard debris burning was the usual culprit, causing three of those four area fires. The fourth was sparked by fireworks. Much of Wisconsin was listed under moderate or high fire danger on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that "abnormally dry" conditions are expanding, now covering forty percent of the state.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News Travelers and art lovers have a new reason to stop by the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport this summer. A new exhibition titled "A Passion for Nature" is now on display in the main terminal, featuring more than 14 original works by Lakewood artist Joan White. Presented through a partnership with ArtStart Rhinelander, the display showcases White's unique technique of painting transparent oil washes directly onto burl wood, blending wildlife into the natural grain of the wood. You don't need a boarding pass to view the gallery. The airport terminal is open to the general public, and parking is free for up to four hours. "A Passion for Nature" will remain on display at the airport from now through August 8th.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News While the growing season is just getting underway, it is already time for the return of the Tomahawk Main Street Farmers Market. Over the years, the popularity of farmers markets has exploded. They offer consumers a chance to purchase locally sourced food directly from the growers, often featuring unique heirloom varieties and cultivars of popular produce that aren't available at traditional grocery stores. Ahead of Tuesday's opener, we spoke with Jennifer Turkiewicz of Tomahawk Main Street, which partners with many downtown businesses for the event. While the opener always arrives quickly, she says they're ready to go. While it is still too early in the season for crops like tomatoes, squash, and corn, she noted that early-season produce like onions, asparagus, and rhubarb are already being harvested and sold. In addition to produce, vendors will offer proteins, baked goods, honey, and maple syrup. Turkiewicz added that some vendors will even sell homemade products like soaps. The market is back at its usual location on North 3rd Street, just off Wisconsin Avenue, that's Main Street in Tomahawk. Turkiewicz explained that the midday time slot allows farmers to harvest their crops fresh that morning, while also accommodating the market's popular non-profit lunch stand. Week one will feature a brat lunch supporting the local VFW. The Main Street Farmers Market will run every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm through the end of the growing season.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A new generation of peregrine falcons at Wisconsin Public Service's Weston Power Plant is helping researchers break new ground in bird tracking technology. Four peregrine falcon chicks were banded and named Monday, which included the addition of tiny BlūMorpho tracking tags. The lightweight transmitters, small enough to be attached to a butterfly, will use smartphone networks to provide real-time location data as the young falcons leave the nest and begin exploring on their own. The new technology is expected to give wildlife experts unprecedented insight into where young peregrine falcons travel during their first year of life before eventually establishing nesting territories of their own. In previous years, the chicks had bands which required visual reports to track. The four chicks were also assigned their new names, as we previously covered, this year's names were inspired by local news personalities. The birds are back in their nesting boxes for the time, and people can continue to follow along on the webcams until the leave the nest for good in the coming weeks. Peregrine falcons nearly disappeared from Wisconsin decades ago, but nesting programs supported by WPS and We Energies have helped the species recover. Since the early 1990s, the companies have banded and named 465 peregrine falcons, accounting for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A vehicle pursuit on a Lincoln County highway last week approached speeds nearly double the posted speed limit. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Thursday near Tomahawk when a patrol deputy spotted a vehicle traveling south on Highway 51. The driver, identified by the Sheriff's Office as Nicholas Langston of Wausau, was known to have an active warrant. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, they said Langston fled, reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. The deputy pursued for several miles before calling off the chase due to safety concerns. A short time later, investigators received a tip that Langston was at a Tomahawk bar. Deputies located him there and took him into custody on more than a dozen charges, including second-degree recklessly endangering safety and fleeing an officer in a vehicle. Langston is currently being held on a $10,000 bond. His adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for June 15.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News The Tomahawk Lions Club is well known for its annual Powwow Days celebrations, and ahead of this year's Fourth of July festivities, the group has brought back its community-wide scavenger hunt. The treasure hunt debuted in 2024 as a way to build excitement for the holiday weekend. This year, hunters are searching for official Tomahawk Lions Club pins, which feature a fitting design for the city: a hatchet with the Lions logo stamped on the blade. There are 10 pins hidden in all. The Lions teased that they could be tucked away in local parks, businesses, and other creative spots around town, though they noted that all pins will be visible. Those lucky enough to track a pin down will win a cash prize. The club also hopes to gather all the winners during the Powwow Days festivities for a group photo in front of the classic Lions truck. The contest kicked off over the weekend and will continue until all 10 pins have been located. For clues and additional information, updates are available on the Tomahawk Lions Club Facebook page.

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