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

Smokers, Sauces, and Bragging Rights: Thrilla on the Grilla Returns to Tomahawk

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk transforms into "Rib Town" this weekend as the annual Thrilla on the Grilla returns for its 16th year. Organized by the Tomahawk Lions Club, the popular rib cook-off brings together nine teams of grill masters from local restaurants, businesses, and community organizations. The competitive field includes defending champion LP Building Solutions, which swept all four competition categories in 2025. Among this year's top challengers is Winding Trail Grill and Bar, fresh off its recent "Best Burger in Paradise" title. Teams will spend hours tending smokers and perfecting their recipes to serve up hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs. In addition to the main event, pitmasters will battle in a side dish category, where past entries have featured everything from specialty potato salads and gourmet mac and cheese to unique twists on classic cookout fare. While bragging rights are on the line, the event is ultimately about great food and giving back. Thrilla on the Grilla serves as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lions Club, supporting year-round community initiatives, including the annual Pow Wow Days Fourth of July celebration. Thrilla on the Grilla runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Tomahawk. Any remaining tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event, while supplies last.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News A Nicolet College staffer and veteran will use her experiences to help others who've served following her appointment to a state legislative committee. Casey Lehmann, financial aid manager and Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official at Nicolet, has been named a Public Member of the Legislative Council Study Committee on State Veterans' Benefits. Nominated by the college, Lehmann joins a bipartisan panel made up of five state lawmakers and four other public members from across Wisconsin. Meeting this summer and fall, the committee is tasked with reviewing state veteran laws and legislative proposals to improve benefits for former service members. Lehmann says, "Supporting veterans in the Northwoods is a cornerstone of my life. I'm excited to serve on the committee and ensure Wisconsin is honoring their service, sacrifice, and resilience. A Tomahawk native and six-year veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Lehmann deployed to Iraq in 2003–2004 and later supported military families through the Guard's civilian family program. For the past eight years, she has served as Nicolet College's Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official, helping student veterans and their families navigate education benefits. Lehmann also remains deeply engaged in local veteran advocacy, actively participating in AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO Club of Tomahawk and Rhinelander, and was a key figure in bringing the traveling Vietnam War Memorial known as "The Wall That Heals" to Nicolet in 2023.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News An initiative in Lincoln County is working to put life-saving tools directly into the hands of local residents. The Lincoln County Health Department is launching a community outreach effort funded by national opioid settlement dollars, offering free emergency Narcan kits to community members. We spoke with Public Health Nurse Deanna Engle earlier this week. She says the campaign aims to break down barriers and remove the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The free overdose kits contain two doses of the naloxone nasal spray, along with simple step-by-step instructions. Engle notes that no prescription, certification, or formal training is required to carry or administer Narcan in Wisconsin, and it is completely safe and simple to use. Health officials encourage anyone taking prescription pain medications, living with someone who uses opioids, or, those who simply wanting to be prepared in an emergency to keep a kit on hand, as Engle says she carries herself. Visit the Lincoln County Health Department website for more information. Residents can pick up a free kit at the Lincoln County Health Department during their regular hours. Public health nurses are also available to give one-on-one demonstrations and answer questions.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Just weeks after country music echoed across the Hodag grounds, the skyline is taking center stage as vibrant hot air balloons prepare to launch into the Northwoods skies. The second annual Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, bringing two days of high-flying, family-friendly fun. More than 20 colorful and uniquely shaped hot air balloons will take flight ranging from patriotic designs to crowd favorites like a giant octopus and Nemo. Attendees can take to the skies themselves during tethered rides, while each evening concludes with a signature musical balloon glow at dusk. (weather permitting) While the festival offers a welcome summer boost to local businesses, its primary mission is honoring those who serve. All proceeds directly support active military members, veterans, and first responders. Organizers are hoping to build on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event, which raised more than $38,000 for local causes, including a $30,000 donation to Camp American Legion. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. both today and Saturday, with activities running until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children ages four and under, and parking is $5.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Another week of minimal rainfall has pushed drought conditions further across the Northwoods. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly the entire region north of Highway 64 is now officially classified in a drought. Here in Lincoln County 82% has now slipped from "abnormally dry" into full drought status. Conditions are worse further north, a pocket of D2 or severe drought is growing in northern Oneida, southern Vilas, and the majority of Iron and Price counties. Statewide, 92% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, with 40% of the state meeting the threshold for official drought. The prolonged dry spell continues to pose significant challenges for home gardeners, local farmers, and wildfire crews. A little bit of relief could be on the way, local forecasters are calling on some much-needed rainfall on Friday.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News As the Northwoods enters the second half of the summer boating season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to do their part to keep the state's lakes and rivers safe. With anglers, paddlers, swimmers, and motorboats all sharing the same water, obeying the law is also good boater etiquette. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lt. John Sinclair says boaters must stay mindful of their speed and the size of their wake. He notes that large wakes create hazardous conditions for everyone on the water, especially kayakers and canoeists, adding that a little courtesy goes a long way toward preventing accidents. The reminder comes as state officials report 17 boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The DNR also reminds boaters to wear a life jacket, never operate under the influence, reduce speeds in congested areas, and respect no-wake zones. Officials say those simple steps can help ensure everyone enjoys the rest of the summer safely on the water.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Fair season is officially underway in the Northwoods, and one area fair has never been interested in following a traditional script. Today marks opening day of Oneida County at Pioneer Park in Rhinelander. Organizers have long aimed to create lasting memories while showcasing the best of a Northwoods summer, while leaning heavily into a quirky, high-energy mix that gives the fair its distinct local flavor. The most noticeable change for fairgoers this year is on the midway. The fair has partnered with Spectrum Carnival to introduce an all-new lineup of rides, highlighted by a gondola-style Ferris wheel, a high-altitude drop tower, and a thrilling 360-degree swing pendulum. Yet it is the non-traditional attractions that truly set this fair apart. The schedule features everything from professional wrestling and high-flying aerialists to returning fan favorites like the Cast Iron Skillet Throwing Contest and competitive cheese curd eating. Visitors will also find plenty of live music, family entertainment, and traditional fair food. A complete schedule of events is available on the fair's official website. Consider this weekend a bit of a appetizer, as both the Lincoln County and Wisconsin Valley Fairs are set to launch next week. Opening ceremonies for the Oneida County Fair begin Thursday at 4:00 PM, with festivities continuing straight through Sunday. Best of all for families planning their weekend, admission to the grounds is completely free.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Officials have released additional details regarding a fatal incident that followed a multi-county vehicle pursuit in the Northwoods earlier this week. The chase began in Lincoln County shortly after noon Tuesday, when deputies requested assistance while following a southbound vehicle into Marathon County. Minutes later, officers located the vehicle on County Highway K in the Village of Maine, just north of Wausau. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies discovered the driver and sole occupant deceased inside. Authorities have now identified the driver as 48-year-old John Wallace of Oregon, Wisconsin. A preliminary autopsy determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that no law enforcement officers involved in the pursuit discharged their weapons during the incident. Authorities have not yet released what prompted the initial pursuit. The Wood County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. All officers involved are cooperating fully. No additional details are available at this time.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While it remains four years off, planning continues for a major, much-needed road reconstruction project in Tomahawk. During its meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk Board of Public Works discussed the upcoming Highway 86/Somo Avenue project, which is currently scheduled for 2030. Because the stretch doubles as State Highway 86, the city is coordinating the work directly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and engineering firm MSA Professional Services. The scope of the project recently expanded slightly. City Clerk Amanda Bartz noted officials were informed that construction will now extend to include the first block of South Tomahawk Avenue, spanning between Somo Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue (Main Street). Safety and pedestrian access near local schools are also central to the plans. Because the work zone intersects heavily used routes to the school campus, the project includes sidewalk expansions and upgrades stretching out to Voermans Street. Plans also call for a pedestrian-activated crossing alongside ADA-compliant sidewalk improvements. While the state will oversee the roadway itself, the City of Tomahawk is responsible for underground infrastructure, including water main and sanitary sewer replacements. Earlier this year, crews televised the existing pipelines and presented a map Tuesday identifying specific segments slated for repair or complete replacement. As preliminary design work moves forward, the Board approved a professional service agreement with MSA to handle engineering for the sanitary sewer and water main portions of the project.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News It was a season-high turnout for WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk on Wednesday, and one lucky player walked away with a near-record payout. Tasha Tennant of Brantwood is a regular at the weekly summer bingo sessions, and her dedication paid off in a big way. Tennant filled her card during the night's blackout game to claim a massive $5,529 jackpot. That's one of the top five largest payouts in the history of the progressive game. While the blackout game required players to cover their full card in 59 called numbers or fewer, Tennant managed to complete hers in just 55 calls. As progressive jackpots grow each week, so do the crowds. The volunteers reported 210 players on Wednesday, marking their biggest turnout of the summer season so far. This marks the second progressive jackpot awarded this summer, following opening night in May when two players split a prize of nearly $4,000. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo directly support operations and facility improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. Games return next Wednesday, when the progressive jackpot will reset.

+ Read More