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Local Fire Personnel Reflect on September 11 Ahead of Tomahawk Ceremony Published on 09/11/2019 under News

While the September 11 attacks were thousands of miles away, the Tomahawk community continues to observe that day 18 years later.

We were recently joined by several local fire personnel who reflected on what this date means to them. That includes Tomahawk Fire Chief Beetle Nyberg, Lieutenant Kevin Krueger, and Nokomis Chief Don Richert.

Each year since those attacks, the Tomahawk Community has held an observance and ceremony. While other communities have seen similar programs come and go, Tomahawk's has actually grown over the years.

Overseeing his first event as Chief, Nyberg that there aren't a lot of these ceremonies in the area and he was proud to keep it going in Tomahawk. Nyberg also looked back at where he was that fateful day. He happened to be in Canada on a hunting trip. As the news developed, he was impressed by the show of support by our northern neighbors in the immediate moments that followed.

Richert says as fellow firefighters, they are "observing a brotherhood." He mentioned the difficulty in speaking at the ceremony due to those emotions. Eighteen years later, he also highlighted the importance of these ceremonies as today's youth weren't alive during the attacks.

The three also praised the Tomahawk community specifically for their support over the years.

Last year the organizers tried moving the event to a weekend, but this year have returned to the ceremony on the actual date of September 11. Due to the rain this morning's event has been moved to Generations Funeral Home. The moment of reflection begins at 10am followed by the program at 10:30am.

In Other News

DNR Highlights Studies Connecting Trees and Mental Health

Published on 05/27/2026 under News If you're feeling stressed,the DNR says the answer might just be rooted in the trees around you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the DNR is highlighting growing research showing trees do more than provide shade, they can also boost your mood, lower stress, and even improve memory and focus. Researchers say living near trees can lower rates of depression, while walks through green spaces can sharpen attention spans and cognitive function. Even climbing trees got a mention for helping learning and reasoning skills. One recent study found that not only does spending time around trees help mental health, but actually planting trees can improve emotional well-being and reduce negative feelings. So this month and throughout the year, officials encourage Wisconsinites to branch out a little , whether it's planting a tree, taking a walk in the woods, or simply relaxing under a leafy canopy.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News A Lincoln County woman accused of sexually assaulting residents at an assisted living facility is facing new charges. Jessica Wickersham was back in Lincoln County Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. The 37 year old was arrested in March and charged with four counts including three for second degree sexual assault. Additional charges have now been filed. Court records show Wickersham is now facing 12 charges including: causing a child to view sexual activity, bestiality, and child sexual exploitation Online court records show Wickersham waived the preliminary hearing allowing the case to move forward. Wickersham then entered 'not guilty' pleas during the arraignment. Wickersham remains jailed on $150,000 bond. Future proceedings weren't immediately scheduled.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Park City Credit Union continues to grow their footprint here in Northern Wisconsin by setting up shop in Wausau. On Tuesday, Park City officially opened the doors to its new full-service branch on Stewart Avenue. The Wausau branch marks Park City Credit Union's sixth location in north central Wisconsin. Officials say the expansion is part of their mission to bring accessible banking and community involvement to more areas. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union says, "Our expansion into Wausau reinforces our promise to meet members where they are by providing accessible banking solutions." To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union is launching "30 Days of Share the Care," featuring random acts of kindness throughout the Wausau community, along with giveaways and special promotions for members.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports At the WIAA Division 2 Regional Track & Field Meet in Medford Tuesday, the Hatchets withstood a two-hour, 45-minute weather delay to have ten total events make the sectional meet. On the girls' side, Tomahawk will have five athletes compete. Taking the regional title in the 200 and 400 meter runs was Elise Gibeault with times of 26.19 and 57.28 seconds, respectively. For the second straight year, Alicia Voermans would advance to the sectional round in the Pole Vault. Voermans also qualified for sectionals in the 100 meter dash. Faith Derleth would advance in the 400 meter dash, placing third. Ellie Micke took home the regional title in the high jump with a leap of five feet even. Siennah Calkins was regional runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 33'10". Two Hatchet male athletes will compete in the sectional meet. Freshman Connor Zorn would take third in the Long Jump and the 100 meter dash. Beau Stromberg is moving on to the sectional meet in the 400 meter run, placing third with a run of 54.14 seconds. The WIAA Division 2 Track & Field Sectional Meet is Friday at Rice Lake. Opening Events begin at 4:00.

Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk softball's season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal Tuesday at Biggs Frey Memorial Field, losing to #3 Prescott, 9-5. The Hatchets went back and forth with the Cardinals for five innings before Prescott scored the final six runs to seal the victory. Averi Petta finished three for three with two triples, a home run, and three RBIs. Camryn Kraklow and Abi Micke each came away with RBI hits on the day. Kraklow, however, would allow nine runs on seven hits and walked eight batters in the game. Tomahawk wraps up their 2026 season with an 11-11 record and a 7-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate Sophie Olsen, Ella Peissig, Kylie Peissig, Siennah Caulkins, and Abi Micke.

Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports The Tomahawk Hatchet Golf Team has advanced to the WIAA Sectional Meet, after finishing in third place at Tuesday's WIAA Regional Meet at Turtleback Golf Course in Rice Lake. Tomahawk finished in third place, shooting a 326. Rice Lake won the regional, with a low score of 296 and Hayward was second with a 324. Rounding out the top four was Northland Pines with a 346; the Eagles also advance to sectionals. Individually for Tomahawk, Jake Albert finished fourth overall with a five over 76. Rocco Carew shot an 80 and finished eighth overall. Oliver Childers finished just out of the top ten at 11th, with an 83. Jaxon Kaiser was 20th overall with an 87 and Brayden Lamer was 34th overall with a 94. The Hatchets will compete in the Division Two WIAA Sectional Meet on Wednesday, June 3 at the Spooner Golf Club. The first tee times of the day will be at 9:00 am.

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Published on 05/26/2026 under News There's typically an increase in vehicle-versus-deer collisions at this time of year, regardless of the type of vehicle. Over the weekend in Lincoln County, drivers of a motorcycle and an ATV struck deer in separate crashes. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, both incidents happened Sunday. The motorcycle-versus-deer crash happened on State Highway 64/107 in the Town of Scott. Deputies say the collision caused the operator to lose control and put the bike down. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The same day, deputies were also sent to the area of STH 107 and Hillcrest Road in the Town of Bradley for an ATV-versus-deer crash with injuries. After striking the deer, deputies said the southbound ATV rolled and came to rest in the ditch. The driver was brought to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The Sheriff's Office says both drivers were wearing helmets. For the week, the Sheriff's Office reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions in Lincoln County, along with crashes involving a bear and an eagle.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News One person is dead, another hospitalized following a crash in Vilas County involving a car and a motorcycle over the holiday weekend. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, that collision happened Monday evening on State Highway 155 in the Town of St. Germain. At shortly after 7pm dispatch received a call reporting the crash. The caller indicated the motorcycle operator was unresponsive. Upon arrival, responders determined the 64 year old man died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. The driver of the vehicle was brought to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials believe the northbound motorcycle crossed over the center-line while negotiating a curve and struck the vehicle head-on. The Wisconsin State Patrol handling the investigation.

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