WJJQ Radio

Story Details

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

Aspirus MedEvac Crew Member named National Paramedic of the Year

Published on 11/06/2025 under News When an emergency strikes in the Northwoods, patients are in good hands. And now one local paramedic was recognized by his peers as one of the best of the best. At the EMS World Expo in Indianapolis, Jason Wyland was named as the 2025 National Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Wyland currently works as a flight nurse and flight paramedic with the Aspirus MedEvac Air-1 team based at Howard Young in Woodruff. This prestigious honor recognizes Wyland's exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care. Wyland called the recognition incredibly humbling. He said, "I'm proud to serve alongside the Air-1 crew—this isn't just a job, it's a family. Every day we have the opportunity to make someone's very worst moment a little better. That's why we do what we do." Throughout his nearly three decade career, they said Wyland has been described as a humble leader, a mentor to new providers, and a dedicated patient advocate who brings both clinical excellence and compassion to every mission. They note even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, he has continued to expand his knowledge and skills to remain actively involved in patient care. Charlie Kotke, Manager, Aspirus MedEvac. "His expertise, resilience, and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of countless patients. We are thrilled to see him recognized on a national stage for the excellence we are fortunate to witness every day." He actually began his full-time EMS career with the Merrill Fire Department in 2001 as a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate. Just a few years later, he helped lead a milestone initiative to raise $110,000 to elevate the department's emergency medical service to the paramedic level—strengthening care for the communities they served.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News A Tomahawk Committee is looking for developers to submit proposals for another property in the community. Last year, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee took up the task of taking inventory of all parcels owned by the city to determine if they would be better off in the private sector. The goal was to generate revenue, get properties back on the tax role, and spur some growth and development. At their meeting last night, the Committee voted to put out a Request for Proposal or RFP for the remainder of the former Lincoln Industries property on Kaphaem Road. Earlier this year, the city split the parcel. They sold the first parcel, including the building, to the Rock Church this spring. Now, the committee is looking to sell the other 16 acres. The city has utilized the RFP process on several occasions to sell properties while ensuring the purchaser has a plan for use. For this property specifically, the Committee put some parameters including a $75,000 minimum bid. They also set some priorities: first and foremost they are looking for someone interested in developing housing; the second is other types of developments that would generate tax revenue for the city. Speaking of taxes, in order to get the property on next year's tax role, they hope to close the deal prior to December 31. The RFP process was approved unanimously. The city should get the details posted in the coming days.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News Being prepared for an emergency requires proper training. Coming up on Friday morning, Lincoln County is conducting an active threat training exercise at the Court House. As a result, the Court House will be closed and people are encouraged to plan accordingly. The scenarios will be led by Lincoln County Emergency Management and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office. The goal is to equip county staff with the skills and confidence need to respond effectively during a potential threat emergency. According to emergency management director Tyler Verhassalt, the training will feature realistic scenarios and the use of blank ammunition to simulate an active threat. He says people may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in and around the court house. They want they public to be aware that this is a planned training exercise. This training will also affect services at the courthouse from 8am to noon Friday. Members of the public with business at the courthouse may want to adjust their schedules.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Lakeland area is teaming up to fight hunger in the Northwoods this fall. That includes a daylong community food drive this weekend. The four fire departments that serve their region will serve as drop-off locations. Coming up Saturday morning they'll be collecting non-perishable food donations. That includes the Arbor Vitae Fire Department. Chief Mike Van Meter says, "As firefighters, our mission is to serve and protect our neighbors—whether that's during a fire, an accident, or by helping make sure no one goes hungry." He added, "When the community comes together like this, it shows the strength and compassion that make the Northwoods such a special place to live." They've also recruited some help from local high school students. Members of the Wings Program at Lakeland Union High School will be collecting the donations, sorting them, and distributing them to the food pantry. Pamela Carroll, Arbor Vitae Town Board Supervisor says, "Helping feed our neighbors is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back. We encourage everyone to join us and make a difference—every can counts!" For those interested in donating, the Lakeland Area Food Drive is Saturday November 8 from 9am to Noon at the Hazelhurst, Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae Fire Departments.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched an official online merchandise store, featuring a variety of items celebrating the state's fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions. DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "Everyone in the state interacts with the environment in some way, and we're excited to offer this new opportunity for all Wisconsinites to participate in supporting the mission of the DNR." Proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. The initial run of items includes t-shirts, mugs, posters and Christmas ornaments featuring state parks, animals, and even Smokey Bear. They launched the store in time for the holiday shopping season and plan to update the store front with new items in the coming weeks and months.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News For military members serving overseas, the holiday season can be a challenging time. The Tomahawk American Legion Auxiliary is hoping to provide a little comfort and a small taste of home. Members of the local auxiliary are hoping to expand a program where they send a small holiday care package to those serving overseas and won't be home for Christmas this year. The small gift packages will include items that may not be readily available where they're stationed, but would offer a reminder of the Northwoods. They used examples of local snack sticks, candies and other treats, along with some other small items of need. Using proceeds from their poppy sales, the Auxiliary members will take care of all of the purchasing, packaging, and mailing. The do have one ask of the community, the names of military members with ties to the Tomahawk area who are currently stationed overseas. While Christmas is still two months away, the effort will take some time. They are asking that people get those submissions in by the end of this week. WJJQ is serving as the lone drop-off location. Names and the overseas address should be neatly printed and placed in the drop box on the desk in our front lobby.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk took another step as they explore building a treatment facility to address elevated levels of PFAs in the city water supply. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. City officials have been researching mitigation steps, and earlier this year hired engineering firm MSA to conduct a feasibility study. The full City Council took up the topic Tuesday. The city has been focusing on the construction of a treatment facility that would filter the water before it reaches the public. From a half dozen options presented by MSA, the Council selected a 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility. It was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. There are funding sources available that could cover up to half the construction costs through the state's Safe Drinking Water Loan program. With more stringent testing and PFAs standards likely on the way, the Board members wanted to be proactive, making it more likely to be awarded funding. Their reasoning: as new regulations are put in place, more communities would look to build treatment facilities, making the funding more competitive. Council Member Will Garske said, "We want to be at the forefront." To apply by next June's deadline, there are design work and pilot testing requirements. At their meeting last night, the Council unanimously approved a contract with MSA to begin that design work.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News With FoodShare benefits being delayed, local agencies are looking to assist those impacted. The Lincoln County Health Department is sharing information for those who might night a little extra help. The lapse in FoodShare payments by the federal government during the shutdown is expected to affect around 700,000 people in Wisconsin. According to the public health educator Lexi Buntrock, this includes just over 3,000 Lincoln County residents. The Health Department offers numerous resource guides. They recently updated their Food Resource guide with the latest information. It covers topics including the four Lincoln County-based food pantries, along with community meal opportunities and senior dining options. The Health Department also encouraged people to consider helping their neighbors. This can include donating food, money, or time to a local pantry, or consider organizing food drives at your local school, business, community group or church. The Oneida County Health Department offered a similar message last week.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to support locally-owned businesses. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber will work with community partners to bring back their 'Loyal to Local' campaign. After previously offering the campaign in the summer, they shifted to November last year to focus on local spending during the holidays. Throughout November, RACC will share special posts, videos, and community highlights on its social media channels, all focused on what it means to be Loyal to Local. The goal is to celebrate the businesses, restaurants, and people that make Rhinelander a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Each week is further broken down into themes. For example, this week is tabbed Explore Local. That's be followed by Eat Local, Shop Local; and Be Local. The effort culminates with the nationwide Small Business Saturday which falls on November 29.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News Early season deer hunters have seen success ahead of the gun-deer opener later this month. On Tuesday, DNR staffers took part in a media call for their annual season preview. They covered a wide range of topics from recapping the archery and youth hunts to discussions on the season outlook and safety. As of Tuesday, hunters had registered 22,473 during the archery season and 36,617 deer with crossbow. These numbers are higher than the same point in the season last year. The state's youngest hunters were also successful. During the Youth Deer Hunt weekend, there were 8,446 deer registered. Last year there were approximately 7,000 registered. Whether that translates into the field remains to be seen. They noted the season will fall relatively late on the calendar this year, as deer movement begins to slow. Other factors such as the weather are too far out to predict. As for license sales, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only. Those numbers typically surge as the season draws closer. And the DNR did offer a reminder for hunters here in northern Wisconsin specifically. Based on hunter feedback and in an effort to improve deer management, the have changed the management zone structure in the Northern Forest Zone. They are returning the use of habit-base units rather than county-based boundaries. And of course safety should always be the top priority during the hunting season. The gun deer season opens on November 22, and we'll have more coverage as that date draws closer.

+ Read More