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Hatchet Cross Country Teams Compete in Shawano Invite Published on 09/16/2019 under Sports

After unsafe course conditions canceled their meet at Fall Creek, a quick revision enabled the Hatchet Cross-Country team to travel to Shawano on Saturday for a 27-team invitational against several StateRanked teams. The girls and boys varsity both placed in the runner-up spot in D2, while the JV squads both placed 3rd overall out of all D1-2-3 teams. Overall the varsity girls placed 3rd of 26 teams, while the boys placed 4th of 27 teams.

Drew Bolder was the top Hatchet as he placed 4th in D2 (15th overall in the 177 runner field) with his 17:27 5K effort. He was the lone D2 medalist for the Hatchet boys. Teammate Noah Buckwalter (D214th-17:55), Garron Albrent (D2-18th-18:18), Keaton Jed (D2-22nd-18:31), Trey Baalke (D2-25th-18:39), Arden Ziert (D2-28th-18:45), and Jack Lacina (D2-43rd-19:37) completed the varsity scoring for the runner-up D2 finishers.

Seniors Haley-Voermans-Dean and Meagan Berg led the lady Hatchets with their 4th and 9th place D2 medalists efforts. Haley covered the 5K course in 20:01 and Meagan went 20:56. They were followed closely by sophomores Emily Lacina (D2-12th-21:05), Macey Mann (D2-18th-21:47), Kate Reilly (D2-19th21:51), and Geena Wanta (D2-33rd-23:24). Also, contributing on the varsity level was freshman Neenah Fuste as she placed 43rd in 24:12.

The girls JV squad started the invitational off in the first race of the day by placing 3rd overall out of 18 teams. They were led by freshman Greta Tjugum's personal best 5K effort of 23:19. Greta finished as a 6th place medalist. She also shared space on the medalist podium with teammates Serena Reinke (10th23:28 PR) and Gillian Buckwalter (15th-23:49 SB). Other JV finishers included: Autumn Peissig (25th24:30), Leslie Vance (38th-25:16 PR) and Ava Dragosh (68th-26:30).

The boys JV squad was led by Alex Norman's 9th place medalist PR effort of 18:48. Hunter Borchardt (17th-19:22 SB), Hunter VanRyen (30th-19:58 SB), Reed Zedler (43rd-20:19 PR), Brady Tjugum (53rd-20:42 SB), Jacob Towle (81st-21:14 PR), Taje Casey (119th-22:23 PR), John Mark Hawley (154th -23:39 PR), Trey Miller (193rd) and Henry Calhoun (194th) were the final Hatchet JV finishers.

Boys Varsity (D2) Team Scores: New London (31), Tomahawk (79), Winneconne (97), Shawano (131), Peshtigo (131), Seymour (133), Xavier (137), Oconto Falls (181), Marinette (Inc) and Sturgeon Bay (Inc).

Girls Varsity (D2) Team Scores: Winneconne (43), Tomahawk (59), Xavier (89), Shawano (90), New London (130), Oconto Falls (172), Marinette (173), Peshtigo (197), Sturgeon Bay (209) and Seymour (Inc.)

Next week Saturday the Hatchets make their annual visit to the Tribute Golf Course on the north side of Wausau for the prestigious Smiley Invitational, one of the largest Cross-Country invitationals in the Midwest. The meet gets started with the boys JV race at 8:30 am.

In Other News

Northwoods Firefighters Respond to First Wildfires of Season

Published on 03/30/2026 under News As we transition from winter to spring, the risk of wildfires in Wisconsin will likely be on the rise. The Nokomis Fire Department, with mutual aid from several neighboring agencies, responded to their first wildland fire of the season. That call came in Saturday. The fire burned approximately 2.1 acres. Fortunately no one was injured and no structures were impacted. According to the DNR tracker, this was one of 42 wildfires over the weekend, including two in Oneida County, one in Price and one in Lincoln County. Areas are especially vulnerable after the snow cover melts, but before vegetation greens up. Residents are encouraged to use caution with any activity that could lead to a spark. The leading cause of wildfires throughout the year is debris burning. Those looking to do spring yard clean-up are encouraged to hold off on burning or find alternatives for disposal. Other common causes include sparks from recreational equipment, campfires, and hot ashes from fireplaces or grills.

Published on 03/30/2026 under News Road construction season is getting underway across the Northwoods this week, and drivers in the Minocqua and Tomahawk areas should be prepared. Work begins today on Highway 51 in Minocqua, stretching from the Lake Minocqua Bridge to Front Street. Crews will be repairing concrete pavement, updating curb ramps, and refreshing pavement markings. Traffic will stay open in both directions, but drivers should expect slower travel and occasional delays through the work zone. This project is expected to run through the summer.Maps provided by Wisconsin DoT At the same time, an overpass project kicks off in Tomahawk on Highway 86 over Highway 51. That work includes resurfacing the bridge, replacing guardrails, and improving drainage. Unlike the Minocqua project, Highway 86 will be closed at the overpass, with a posted detour using County A or County S. Work is scheduled into early June. Maps provided by Wisconsin DoT Stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the road construction season for previews, updates, and traffic impacts.

Published on 03/30/2026 under News It won't be long before the sound of frogs fill the quiet Northwoods nights. The DNR is looking for citizen scientists to help in one of the longest running research projects of its kind. The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey was formally launched in 1984, and volunteers have played a crucial role in helping DNR conservation biologists better define populations, distribution and status of all 12 frog and toad species that call Wisconsin home. Research biologist Andrew Badje coordinates the survey. He says, "Our volunteers, lovingly known as 'froggers,' are important advocates for frogs and toads in Wisconsin." Since the survey began, volunteers have collectively spent more than 12,300 nights surveying 120,900 sites across the state. There are actually several different areas of focus with these surveys, including one specific to Northern Wisconsin, the mink frog. In addition to contributing to the research, 'froggers' often share their knowledge and passion. That includes introducing children and grandchildren to these nighttime, frog-calling excursions and leading educational presentations at local libraries and nature centers. Badje saying, "They are the beating heart of frog monitoring and conservation in Wisconsin." For those that would like to get involved, the DNR has more information.

Published on 03/30/2026 under News Several Northwoods educators are being recognized for excellence in the classroom and beyond. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has announced its 2026 Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership award winners, and a handful of local names are on the list. Among them, Gretchen Smart-Hall of Northland Pines Elementary has been honored with a Principal Leadership award, recognizing her work in fostering a positive school environment and setting high standards for students and staff. Three area educators were also named Teacher Fellows: Patricia Darr of Northland Pines, Kelley Hoppe of Minocqua Elementary, and Michael Wojtusik of Rhinelander High School. The award highlights teachers who inspire a love of learning and go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom. Each recipient will receive a six-thousand dollar award, with an additional matching grant going directly to their schools to support student programs and initiatives. Foundation leaders say the awards celebrate the critical role educators play in shaping the next generation. Since 1990, the Herb Kohl Foundation has awarded over $43.5 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools.

Published on 03/30/2026 under News A major investment in hands-on learning is coming to North Central Wisconsin, with a boost for young students exploring future careers. The Children's Imaginarium in Wausau has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program. The funding will help launch a new STEM Careers in Action Lab aimed at giving elementary-age students real-world exposure to high-demand careers. The interactive space will focus on industries like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and engineering, allowing kids to learn through hands-on activities, simulations, and problem-solving challenges rather than traditional instruction. Leaders say the lab is designed to address a growing concern that many students lose interest in STEM subjects at an early age. The project is expected to serve up to 10,000 students each year, with a focus on reaching rural and underserved communities. Organizers say the new lab will become a permanent, interactive destination, helping connect education with real-world career opportunities for years to come.

Published on 03/30/2026 under Sports Despite having only 16 athletes Saturday, the Hatchet Track & Field Squads had a productive showing at the T-Bird Indoor Invite in Lakeland Saturday. Tomahawk's girls had three first-place finishes. Lauren Reibe placed first in the 200 meter hurdles. Charlee Lund took the top spot in the 800 meter run. Lizzy Arnott took the top spot in the Pole Vault. For the boys, the lone top finisher with Hunter Brigham, who topped the 55 meter hurdles. The next invite for Tomahawk is the UW-Stevens Point Distance Carnival next Saturday. Events begin at 2:00.

Published on 03/27/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk is earning well-deserved recognition on the statewide stage. At this year's Wisconsin Main Street Awards, held at the Grand Theater in Wausau, two local initiatives took home top honors for their impact on the downtown district. The Winners Best Interior Renovation (Small-Scale): Rae's Barbershop-Once a 1950s optometry office that had been most recently been an underutilized storage space. The area underwent a thoughtful transformation. The renovation revived the building's historic character while creating a modern, accessible barbershop with a fresh purpose.2025 Community Champion: The Rainmakers-This dedicated group of volunteers was honored for maintaining the downtown atmosphere. The Rainmakers spend early summer mornings watering and tending to the flower baskets and planters that give Downtown Tomahawk its vibrant, welcoming charm.The Nominees While they didn't take home the top prize, several other Tomahawk projects were recognized as finalists, showcasing the depth of the town's recent progress: Best Placemaking Project Andy Gorestski – Welcome Sculpture RestorationBest Event Main Street Memories ChristmasBest Marketing Campaign Sideways Wine & Craft BeerBusiness of the Year Crossbridge Community BankBest Interior Renovation Locks and LoadedA Milestone for Leadership A strong program requires a strong leader, and the ceremony also marked a personal milestone for Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz, who was recognized for her five years of service. Turkiewicz described the day as an amazing experience, noting that Tomahawk's presence was felt even when competing against much larger cities like Wausau, Green Bay and Milwaukee. State officials echoed that sentiment, noting that these awards highlight the dedication and creativity happening in Wisconsin communities of all sizes. In addition to the awards, Turkiewicz noted they were also able to network and learn about other Main Streets efforts around the state. Tomahawk Main Street has additional information and photos available on their website.

Published on 03/27/2026 under News Road construction season is gearing up across the state, that means it's time to slow down and stay alert. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is rolling out more than 400 highway improvement projects statewide. As we've previewed in recent weeks, drivers in the Northwoods can expect work along Highway 51 in Minocqua and north of Tomahawk, Highway 8 in Rhinelander, and the Highway 86 overpass in Tomahawk. Some of those projects are set to begin as early as next week. With cones, barrels, and crews returning to the roadside, state officials are putting a strong emphasis on safety. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says protecting workers and drivers is the top priority during this busy construction season. Motorists should be ready for sudden changes like reduced speed limits, lane shifts, and even stopped traffic. And those orange signs aren't just suggestions. The DoT notes that speeding fines double in work zones. Drivers are also reminded to put the phone away. If you're hitting the road, 'know before you go', by visiting the DoT website or 511 Wisconsin for any projects along your route. And of course, stay tuned right here to WJJQ. We'll keep you updated on local road construction throughout the summer.

Published on 03/27/2026 under News A ceremony in the Northwoods today will honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is officially on Sunday, but is being marked with a special program this morning at Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw. The day recognizes the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. ground forces from Vietnam and serves as a time to reflect on the service of thousands of veterans. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, more than 57,000 Wisconsinites served in Vietnam, and more than 1,200 lost their lives. The Northwoods National Cemetery, which opened in 2020 as the state's second national cemetery, provides a fitting setting for today's remembrance. Officials invite the public to attend and take a moment to honor those who served during Vietnam.The ceremony is set to begin at 11:30 at Northwoods National Cemetery along Lakewood Road.

Published on 03/27/2026 under News It won't be long before wildlife young are born, and that means it's also time to lend a helping hand to a local non-profit that assists animals in need. Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua recently kicked off its annual "Wildlife Baby Shower," a donation drive to support the hundreds of young animals brought in each year. Many arrive sick, injured, or orphaned, and rely on round-the-clock care before they can eventually be released back into their natural habitats. Organizers say community support is essential, and this event gives people a simple way to make a difference. Donations of food are especially helpful (from fresh fruits and vegetables and unsalted nuts, to bird seed, pet food, and even freeze-dried mealworms.) Everyday household items are also in high demand, like paper towels, hand sanitizer, gloves, and fleece blankets used to keep the animals warm and comfortable. And to help cover ongoing needs throughout the year, they're grateful for financial donations and gift cards to local stores or online retailers, allowing them to purchase items of need. People can drop off donations at the center, or they've also partnered with the Minocqua Public Library to serve as a drop-off location. Staff say every donation, big or small, helps give these animals a second chance at life.

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