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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

No Eagle River Ice Castle in 2026 due to Ice Conditions

Published on 01/06/2026 under News Poor conditions mean the Eagle River Ice Castle will have to wait another year. Each year, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build the giant ice structure out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. They typically need 14 inches of ice for the build, however they only 10.5-11 inches. This led to their decision Monday to cancel the Ice Castle for 2026. They noted, that rain and snow last weekend was a set back. While they were eventually able to clear off the ice, able, it left behind a rough, uneven and brittle layer on top. Coupled with a warm-up in the forecast this week, they don't anticipate ice conditions will improve enough to produce the approximately 2,500 ice blocks to build. The Eagle River Ice Castle is a tradition that dates back to the 1930's, and has received widespread interest in the age of social media selfies and pictures. The build, however, has been sporadic recently. Last winter was just the second time in the past eight years that they've been able to build.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News A home in the town of Pine River was destroyed in a fire Monday morning. According to the Pine River Fire Department, responders were initially called to the home on Oak Ridge Avenue in the 5am hour. The homeowner reported smoke in the kitchen. Upon arrival, a deputy and firefighters weren't able to find smoke or flames. They cleared the scene after searching the home and a scan with their thermal imaging camera. A few hours later, at around 9:15am, the homeowner called 911 again after observing flames. Crews returned, and a mutual aid call was made for neighboring agencies. They worked to contain the fire, but it spread quickly through the attic. In addition to neighboring fire departments, the Lincoln County Highway Department brought in their clam truck in order to expose hidden fire pockets in the roof. Chief Lofink offered thanks to their partners during the response. Despite their efforts, the home was declared a total loss. All occupants and pets were able to evacuate. The Salvation Army is assisting the family. The report did not immediately identify a cause of fire. -Photo provided by Pine River Fire Department

Published on 01/06/2026 under News A Mosinee man was arrested following an investigation into a vehicle crash and burglary in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were called to County T in the Town of Somo for a vehicle in the ditch. The reporting party also indicated the occupant of the vehicle had broken into a building on his property. Deputies made contact with the 60 year old suspect, who initially denied the break-in. Deputies, however, located fresh foot prints in the snow which led the building where they found signs of forced entry. The deputy also located items allegedly taken from the building laying around the suspect's vehicle. As a result the man was taken into custody for burglary, criminal damage to property, bail jumping, and resisting/obstructing and officer.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News While incidents of blastomycosis are typically in the warmer months, the illness will be a topic of conversation this evening. Blastomycosis or 'blasto' is caused by a fungus that naturally occurs in areas with moist soil and decaying wood and leaves. Past data has shown Lincoln County has a higher than average rate of infection. Coming up this evening in Merrill, Emma Jaeger and John Snyder from the Medical College of Wisconsin, will host a presentation on Blastomycosis. It's part of the "Physician in the Community" project to educate health care providers and the community on Blasto specific to the region. According to the announcement, they plan to discuss key signs and symptoms, local data, geographical impact, and ways to improve outcomes in the community. They'll also have an opportunity for questions and people to share personal experiences following the presentation. The TB Scott Free Library in Merrill will be hosting the conversation at 6pm this evening.

Published on 01/06/2026 under News Most snowmobile trails in Lincoln County are now open. On Monday, the Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced trails in Zone 4 are now open, joining zones 1,2,and 3 which had previously opened. In the announcement, the department also highlighted the work of local snowmobile clubs, noting they have dedicated significant time and effort to brushing, signing, and grooming the trails. They added, "We encourage riders to thank these volunteers, consider joining a club, and support these organizations through active participation. Without the ongoing work of these clubs, our trail network would not be possible."

Published on 01/06/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society has received an influx of cats and kittens over the weekend. According to their latest update, they had taken in 34 new cats and kittens from a household over the weekend, and they anticipate several more over the next few days. Fortunately they noted, the new felines are healthy and adjusting well. In anticipation, they put out a call over the weekend for help from the community with donations of cat litter and kitten chow and were grateful to everyone who contributed. Every challenge we face at LCHS is easier because of the incredible people that care so much about the animals. To help alleviate the crowding, they will be having some adoption specials for cats that had already been at the Humane Society and also encouraged those considering fostering to reach out. Their final request is to remind everyone, if you see something that doesn't seem "quite right," always report it.

Published on 01/05/2026 under News A quick dip in the icy waters of Lake Mohawksin Saturday was well worth it for dozens of people who raised tens of thousands of dollars to support local organizations. This weekend marked the return of the annual Tomahawk STAR Foundation STAR Splash. On Saturday afternoon, organizers cut a hole into the ice on Lake Mohawksin outside of Castaways hosting the event. Local individuals and groups collected pledges in exchange for a jumping into those icy waters. Half of the pledges are committed to a local non-profit of the jumper's choosing, while the other half goes to the STAR Foundation, which eventually returns it back into the community as well, through grants. Continuing a good week for snowmobilers after local trails opening, it was Nancy Swan, on behalf of the Knight Owls snowmobile club who was the top fundraiser to claim the bonus. Her solo leap raised more than $7,000. The Tomahawk High School Hockey team was among the other groups taking a dip. Prior to this year, they had been the top fundraiser for three consecutive years, raising more than $30,000 over the past four years. And after dealing with temperatures in the single digits last year, it was a bit warmer Saturday, relatively speaking. And while the Splashers were only in the water for less than a minute, their moment of bravery will have a lasting impact on their respective organizations. We'll share additional results as numbers are finalized.

Published on 01/05/2026 under News The Tomahawk Community has many great, locally-owned businesses. And the Tomahawk Chamber is looking to identify the best of the best. This past week, the Tomahawk Chamber put out a call for nominations for the 'Small Business of the Year' Award. According to the announcement, their goal is to celebrate locally-owned businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth, and a commitment to our community. They said, "Whether it's your favorite shop, restaurant, service provider, or a business that quietly makes a big impact—let's shine a spotlight on the businesses that make our community thrive." They'll accept nominations through the end of the week. The winner will be recognized at the annual Chamber Appreciation dinner coming up at the end of January. More information is available on the Chamber Facebook page including a link to the nomination form.

Published on 01/05/2026 under News It won't be long before peregrine falcons return to their nests around the state for breeding season. That includes the Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies Power Plants, which have played a key role in the bird's recovery over the years. Before the new arrivals, the utilities took a look back, publishing their 2025 nesting report prepared by peregrine falcon manager Greg Septon. Since the program began in 1992, there have been 443 peregrine falcon chicks hatched at the WPS and We Energy facilities in Wisconsin. This past year there were four active nesting sites which hatched a dozen new chicks. Their names were all inspired by past peregrine falcons. The northern-most, the Weston Power Plant near Wausau produced three chicks, along with an unhatched egg. This nest has been active since 2006 with 48 young birds, a little more than two per year. The chicks are banded before leaving the nest, though sightings in the wild are rare. Septon wrote that most peregrines end up nesting within 200 miles of where they were hatched. But the power plant peregrines have spread their wings, with band birds identified nesting in Illinois, Minnesota and Indiana. Among the challenges Septon highlighted was the highly pathogenic avian influenza which is the likely cause of death for both of the nesting pair in Port Washington. For those eager to watch the falcons on the nesting webcams, the eggs are typically laid in mid-March. That entire report is available on the WPS and WE Energies Websites.

Published on 01/05/2026 under News Food insecurity has been on the rise. In Rhinelander, two high school student organizations teamed up to give back to their local food pantry. On Friday afternoon, members of the Rhinelander High School Key Club and National Honor Society paid a visit to the Rhineland Food Pantry where they were able to present a check for $3,000, along with more than 600 pounds of non-perishable food donations. This continues an effort last month where the students generated enough food donations to support 29 families over the Holiday break. Lexi Radtke, RHS Key Club Advisor, added, "I am incredibly proud of our students for their initiative and follow-through. They identified a need in our community and took meaningful action to make a real difference for families. Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service are truly inspiring." While the two clubs led the way by organizing various fundraisers and collection efforts, it was a district-wide effort. The contributions from RHS students will directly support Food Pantry's Hodag Monster Meals Program which helps ensure families have access to nutritious food.

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