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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

Samundsen, Doleshal Rule at Thunder in the Woods

Published on 05/16/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's field throwers competed at the Thunder Throw in the Woods Invite in Minocqua Saturday morning. For the Hatchet boys, two athletes finished in the top ten in shot put. Michael Samundsen finished with a 42'7.5" throw. Ethan Gibeault had a 38'10" toss. The two seniors joined Elliot O'Connor in the top ten in discus. Samundsen was the top Hatchet with a throw of 114'4". In the female shot put, it was two freshmen that placed in the top ten. Abbigail Doleshal had a throw of 26'8". Lillian Rigby had a throw of 21'4". In the discus, both Doleshal and Rigby placed in the top five. Doleshal had a throw of 94'1". The Great Northern Conference Track & Field Meet is Tuesday at Mike Webster Stadium in Rhinelander.

Published on 05/15/2026 under Sports Hatchet Baseball Comes Alive, Holds Off Crandon The Hatchet baseball squad notched their second consecutive win in as many days, outlasting the Crandon Cardinals, 6-3. Tomahawk scored in every inning but the first, going ahead for good in the third. The Hatchets were able to withstand a Cardinal rally in the fifth to seal the victory. Jonah Dickens picked up the win on the mound, allowing just three runs on four hits while striking out six. Wally Horabik, Colin Black, and Brody Hilgendorf each had an extra-base hit. Dickens went two for four with an RBI while Max Larson went two for three. The win puts Tomahawk at 7-9 on the season and 5-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will take the weekend off and get set for their final road game of the season in Antigo Monday. First pitch is at 5:00. Childers Propels Tomahawk Golf to 2nd in St. Germain The Hatchet golfers bounced back and finished second in their invite at St. Germain Golf Club, hosted by Northland Pined Friday afternoon. Tomahawk finished with a team score of 352, 17 strokes behind first-place Rhinelander. Two Hatchets placed in the top ten overall. Oliver Childers placed fifth with an 82. Jaxon Kaiser placed ninth overall with an 89. The final Great Northern Conference meet of the season will be Monday at Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee. Tee-off is at 1:00.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The popularity of food trucks has exploded in recent years with these mobile restaurants now present in most Northwoods communities. Many are heading to Merrill this weekend for the third annual 'Food Truck-a-Palooza.' Organizers said, "The event continues to grow each year and provides a fun opportunity for residents and visitors to experience everything Merrill has to offer." Back in 2024 the city put out a call for food trucks to park at the Merrill Festival Grounds for a day-long smorgasbord. They had around a dozen participants in that first year, doubled in size last year. Now, the third edition, 35 food trucks signed up. Many of the Lincoln County-based trucks will be in attendance, while other chefs will be putting on the miles, coming from the Northwoods, central Wisconsin and even the Fox Valley. Whether you like Mexican, Asian or American classics like burgers and BBQ they'll have something for everyone including drinks and desserts focused-trucks. Between bites, attendees can burn off a few calories by walking through the Merrill Festival Grounds for a craft and vendor show, live entertainment, and other fun activities. The third Annual Food Truck-a-Palooza runs from 11am to 6pm.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board received an update this week on the district's School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which was first approved in 2018. Now eight years into the initiative, the board heard a presentation from Officer Brett Susa, who served as the district's first SRO and remains the only officer in the role. Susa explained that his mission is to foster a safe learning environment through a three-pronged approach: law enforcement, mentoring, and teaching. In his capacity as an on-campus officer, Susa handles student violations such as truancy and substance use. He shared the positive news that the number of referrals and citations has decreased this year compared to last. Beyond enforcement, Susa's report emphasized the importance of "positive interactions" to build trust with the student body, which he noted is essential for preventing issues before they arise. He highlighted several examples of these efforts, including providing classroom education and participating in a "lunch buddy" program at the elementary school. In addition to his work with students, Susa collaborates with the buildings and grounds crew to assess and address safety concerns across the campus. When school is not in session, he continues his service by working directly with the Tomahawk Police Department.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The DNR is encouraging fire safety as Northern Wisconsin contends with elevated wildfire conditions through the weekend. Officials say ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warm temperatures, and strong winds are all contributing to the increased risk, particularly in Northern and Western Wisconsin. Twelve counties are listed in extreme fire danger as of Friday morning. Crews have already responded to 69 wildfires around the state this week. In coordination with the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Friday afternoon and evening in several northern counties, including Vilas and Iron Counties in our listening area. The DNR has already suspended burning permits in 31 counties and says additional restrictions are possible if conditions worsen. People are being asked to avoid debris burning, which is traditionally the cause of half of all wildfires in the state. Officials also ask for caution with other common activities that can lead to sparks, such as using tools like chainsaws and lawnmowers; recreational activities like camping, grilling, and operating ATVs or UTVs; and even ensuring trailer chains are not dragging on pavement. The elevated wildfire conditions are expected to continue through Saturday evening.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Rhinelander and the Hodag are synonymous. This week has been set aside to celebrate the mythical beast. The Rhinelander Chamber and their many community partners have been busy preparing for the 6th annual Hodag Heritage Festival. The event brings plenty of fun, history, and whimsy with hodag-themed activities. Among the popular returning highlights are the hodag calling contest and Hodag Historical Bus Tours . They also keep it fresh with new attractions, this includes Paul Bunyan Lumberjack shows. The tale of the Hodag emerged from the times when logging reined king in the Northwoods. Rachel Boehlen, Chamber Director of Events and Strategic Initiatives says, "We're so excited to bring these fun and unique features to the Hodag Heritage Festival." Activities are centered around Pioneer Park. Earlier this year, the Chamber also launched a new Hodag Heritage Festival website with information, schedules, and more.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Earlier this week, a major renovation project began at the century-old Grand Theater in Wausau. Just days into the work, the project received a significant fundraising boost: the Performing Arts Foundation announced it has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the State of Wisconsin. Sean Wright, Executive Director of The Grand Theater, noted that the state's investment serves as a testament to the theater's vital role as both a cultural and economic driver. He says, "As we approach our 100th anniversary, this funding provides the necessary resources to ensure our facility remains a premier destination for world-class performing arts while maintaining the historic integrity of this community landmark," Wright said. The renovation aims to modernize the venue while preserving its heritage. Key highlights include: • Enhanced Patron Experience: Installation of new seating and upgraded lighting and AV equipment. • Infrastructure Improvements: Significant work on accessibility, structural restoration, and the installation of a new roof. With the addition of the state grant, the campaign has now raised $15.5 million toward its $17.5 million goal. The facility will remain closed throughout the summer to accommodate construction. The community can look forward to the grand reopening, with the first performance in the upgraded theater scheduled for November 7.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Local lawmakers expressed disappointment after a budget surplus deal fell apart in the State Senate earlier this week. The proposal, crafted by Governor Evers and Republican Legislative leaders would have utilized the surplus to provide a tax rebate, along with an increase in state funding for k-12 schools and special education. While defeated by three votes in the senate, the bill cleared the Assembly. Among the 'yes' votes was Assemblyman Calvin Callahan who represents the 35th district. The local representative provided comments on the bill's demise. He said, "While this deal wasn't perfect, it did provide property tax relief and put money directly back into the pockets of taxpayers, where it never should have left. Many objections to this proposal were that it didn't do enough, and I agree, but you can't get everything you want in a negotiation." Callahan said, "I am disappointed that some people let that stand in the way of delivering affordability to the people of Wisconsin."

Published on 05/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Softball Wraps Up 2026 With Extra Innings Thriller The Hatchet softball squad would wrap up Great Northern Conference play Thursday evening with a thrilling victory over the Merrill Blue Jays in eight innings, 8-6. Tomahawk would notch their first six runs of the day in the fifth and sixth innings. Sophie Olsen ripped a two-run double to tie the game at two. Averi Petta would follow that up with a two-run home run to put the Hatchets ahead. The other runs scored were on wild pitches. After Merrill tied the game and forced extra innings, the Hatchets would score their final two runs in the top of the eighth on errors. Camryn Kraklow allowed just two earned runs in the victory. Cracklow and Ellie Micke crossed the plate twice in the game. The Hatchets improve to 10-11 and 6-8 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk wraps the regular season Tuesday at St. Croix Central. First pitch is at 4:00. Sixth-Inning Rally Leapfrogs Tomahawk Baseball Over Merrill Tomahawk baseball's bats woke up Thursday night at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field as they would come back to defeat Merrill, 8-4. The Hatchets trailed 4-3 headed into the bottom of the sixth inning before rolling off five runs to seal the victory. Tomahawk tied the game on a run scored by Wally Horabik off of Nick Arndt reaching on an error. However, The unsung hero was Hudson Evans, who hit a pinch-hit two-run single to put Tomahawk ahead. The Hatchets would add two more runs with a Logan Norman RBI double and a run scored by Jasper Ertl on a passed ball. Wally Horabik would pick up the win on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings. The win puts Tomahawk to 6-9 on the season and 5-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the diamond tonight for a non-conference showdown with Crandon at TK Field. First pitch is at 6:30. Childers Takes Top Spot, Hatchet Golf 5th in Lakeland The Hatchet Golfers would place fifth in their Great Northern Conference Invite at Trout Lake Golf Course in Minocqua Thursday afternoon. Tomahawk would finish with a team score of 338, two strokes behind the host, Lakeland. However, the biggest bright spot came from Oliver Childers, who took the top spot in the meet with a 75. Jake Albert was second on the team and 11th overall with an 82. Tomahawk is back on the course today with an invite at the St. Germain Golf Club today. Tee-off is at Noon.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues to target opioids through education and outreach. Coming up this evening, The Lincoln County Health Department, alongside the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, is hosting another free community training focused on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose using Naloxone, or Narcan. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes, potentially saving lives. It is most commonly administered as a nasal spray, and can be carried without a prescription. Public Health Nurse Deanna Engel says the goal is simple: to give people the knowledge and confidence to act in a critical moment. They'll walk attendees through how to spot the signs of an overdose and properly administer the medication. Earlier this month, the partners hosted a similar event down in Merrill that was well-received. Tonight they'll be offering a class in Tomahawk, at the Public Library. It begins at 5pm and takes around an hour.

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