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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

National Medal of Honor Day: Einar Ingman Remembered in Tomahawk

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Today is National Medal of Honor Day, and each year the observance has special meaning here in Tomahawk. The Medal of Honor is awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. Highly exclusive, just 3,500 Americans have received the Medal of Honor, just 64 Wisconsinites. On that list is the late Einar Ingman of Tomahawk. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a result of his actions in Korea on February 26, 1951. Ingman took charge of two squads after their leaders were wounded. He then single-handedly took out two machine gun emplacements, while suffering numerous injuries. He was later awarded with several of the country's highest honors including the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. Einar passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in the Tomahawk Community. Einar Ingman Parkway leads motorists into the Tomahawk community, the VFW shares his name, and most recently the Post Office was named in his honor in 2021. The Tomahawk VFW and Auxiliary are hosting a small ceremony to honor Ingman Thursday morning at 10am at Veteran's Memorial Park. Another Medal of Honor recipient with Northwoods ties is Oscar Peterson, who was born in Prentice and went on to serve in World War II. He died in action in the Philippine islands and was awarded a posthumous award.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News A growing effort to support and connect seniors across Lincoln County is taking shape with an opportunity to learn more this weekend. The Northwoods Senior Empowerment Project is hosting a community breakfast Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Merrill Eagles Club. Organizer Eileen Guthrie says the group formed out of earlier advocacy efforts tied to People for Pine Crest, and has since expanded by connecting with residents and organizers facing similar concerns. Guthrie says those conversations revealed a range of issues impacting seniors across the Northwoods including access to healthcare, affordable housing, and transportation. She says transportation, in particular, continues to rise to the top, as many older adults give up driving but still need reliable ways to reach medical appointments in places like Wausau or Rhinelander. Saturday's event will begin with a light breakfast, followed by presentations from local and regional experts. Speakers include representatives from the Aging and Disability Resource Center, the Merrill Housing Authority, and a journalist who has spent the past year reporting on policy issues affecting seniors in Wisconsin. After the presentations, organizers plan to open the floor for discussion, giving attendees a chance to share their own experiences, identify gaps in services, and suggest possible solutions. Guthrie says the goal is not just conversation, but action—bringing people together to better advocate for senior needs at the local and county level. The event is free and open to seniors, caregivers, and family members, with a suggested one-dollar donation to the Merrill food pantry. Organizers say they hope the gathering is just the beginning of a broader, ongoing effort to improve quality of life for seniors throughout the region. They do ask the people RSVP for planning purposes. Call 715-921-2258 or 262-394-6649 or go to actionnetwork.org/events/northwoods-senior-breakfast

Published on 03/25/2026 under News One person was injured in a UTV accident in Oneida County Tuesday. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, responders were notified of a UTV on the edge of Lake Kaubashine in the Town of Hazelhurst. The initial call indicated the machine was still running, but no signs of the operator. Upon arrival, they located the operator trapped underneath the UTV. According to the report, medical personnel removed the individual from under the UTV and performed CPR. The individual was brought to a nearby hospital by ambulance and airlifted for further medical evaluation. No further update on the condition of the victim was provided. The release did not say what caused the operator to become pinned underneath the machine.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News With wildfire season right around the corner in Wisconsin, and teams in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are once again fighting fire with fire. When opportunities arise, their crews are planning to complete some prescribed burns in strategic locations with the forest lands. Simulating naturally occurring fires, these efforts help reduce thick, overgrown vegetation and dead or downed trees which can fuel fires. They also play a key role in resetting the ecosystem, improving animal habitat, and allowing the reemergence of native plants. The Forest has locations of planned burns listed on their website, nearly two dozen in all. Because the conditions have to be just right, a schedule with dates isn't available. They provide updates via social media. Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Wausau residents had the opportunity to improve home fire safety during a community event hosted by the American Red Cross Tuesday. The "Sound the Alarm" saw volunteers going door-to-door in targeted neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms and share fire prevention tips. The effort is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which focuses on reducing fire-related injuries and deaths through education and preparedness. During the visits, volunteers helped families check or install smoke alarms and provided guidance on creating fire escape plans and understanding common causes of home fires. Local officials say working smoke alarms remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives, cutting the risk of death in a home fire by about half. The Red Cross says similar programs are available year-round for residents who may have missed Tuesday's event, and volunteers and donations continue to play a key role in supporting fire prevention efforts across Wisconsin.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Aspirus is looking to recruit skilled nurses, and they're bringing their search online. Aspirus Health is kicking off the first of two Indeed Virtual Hiring Events this afternoon, specifically targeting Registered Nurses. Talent Representative Ahna Hanke says the digital format streamlines the process, allowing applicants to explore positions and schedule interviews instantly. Some roles even include sign-on bonuses. From Noon to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, candidates can interview remotely for full-time RN roles in ICU, Surgery, Emergency, and Medical/Surgical units across Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Minocqua, and Eagle River. If you miss today's session, a second event is scheduled for April 9th focusing on Certified Medical Assistants and LPNs. To participate, job seekers must register online at aspirus.org/careers to receive their virtual login instructions.

Published on 03/25/2026 under Sports The post season honors continue to file in for the Hatchet Hockey team after the 2025-26 season. Jonah Dickens was a unanimous 1st Team All Great Northern Conference selection and Player of the Year. Jett Reilly joined Dickens on the 1st Team as a unanimous choice at forward. Brayden Lamer was selected 1st Team All Conference as a defenseman. Tomahawk had two 2nd Team All Conference selections; Jake Albert on defense and Landyn Seymour at forward. Rounding out the all conference honorees were Beau Stromberg (forward) and Rex Reilly (defense). Jonah Dickens, Jett Reilly, and Brayden Lamer were all named to the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association All State First Team. Dickens and Reilly were honored as forwards and Lamer was named as a defenseman. Also being honored as a 2nd-Team All-State Defenseman is Sophomore Jake Albert. In addition, Dickens, Reilly, Lamer, and Albert were also selected to represent Wisconsin at the CCM National Invitational Tournament in Minnesota. Dickens was selected to be a part of the Senior NIT Team. Lamer was selected as a member of the NP 18 NIT Team. Reilly and Albert as members of the Sophomore NIT Team. The Team Wisconsin NIT events will begin April 23 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Team Wisconsin will be playing all star teams from Wisconsin, Michigan and North Dakota.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News With spring returning to the Northwoods, tick activity will be picking back up. Researchers are once again asking for the public's help tracking them. The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is kicking off its third year of the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science, or TICS, encouraging residents to submit ticks they find while working or enjoying the outdoors. Researchers say the data helps them better understand where ticks are found and the risks of tick-borne illnesses. The project has already seen strong participation, with nearly 6,000 ticks collected in each of the first two years. A majority of submissions were identified as the common wood tick, followed by the smaller deer tick, of concern due to carrying Lyme disease and other infections. They've also identified less common species, including some typically found in warmer climates like the lone star tick. Beyond collecting ticks, researchers are expanding the project this year to include personal stories from people impacted by tick-borne illnesses. It is aimed at engaging individuals who have experienced Lyme or another tick-infection to tell their story, and individuals can share as little or as much as they feel comfortable sharing. Collection kits are available through the Research Institute, at various Marshfield Clinic locations, and even partnering with some public parks and recreation areas. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted. We've already received some listener reports of tick activity in Lincoln County this year. In addition to the TICS project, officials also reminded people about tick prevention including repellents, protective clothing, and tick checks after coming inside after being in wooded or brushy areas.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner and the DoT continues to announce projects, with the latest here in Lincoln County. Governor Tony Evers has approved a $450,000 project for improvements to the Highway 86/County D overpass at Highway 51 in Tomahawk. The project includes resurfacing the bridge, along with the replacement of guardrails and updated drainage. Contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. will handle the project. The work will require a temporary closure of Highway 86 overpass between the US 51 ramps. Drivers will be detoured using County A or County S interchanges. Work is actually set to begin next week. Construction is expected to wrap up by June, though the timeline will depend on weather and overall progress. Information can be found on the DoT project webpage.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News While the Northwoods snowmobile season had a brief return, it didn't last long. The Oneida County Forestry Department announced the closure of the Oneida County snowmobile trail system for the remainder of the season as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Trails had briefly reopened last week following fresh snowfall, giving snowmobilers an extra week of riding. But warming conditions have once again forced the trail closure, now for the season. In the announcement, they thanked local snowmobile clubs and volunteers for their work throughout the season, helping keep trails safe and well maintained. Riders were also thanked for supporting local businesses. As of this morning, no announcement has been made regarding the Vilas County trails, though local clubs reported rapidly deteriorating conditions.

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