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Hatchet Boys Cross Country Team Wins GNC Title Published on 10/21/2019 under Sports

On Saturday the Hatchets traveled to Gartzke XC Ski Trails near Antigo for the Great Northern Conference Cross-Country Championships. For the first time in over a decade (since 2008), the Hatchet varsity boys sits atop the Great Northern Conference by capturing the title as they edged a solid improving Lakeland team by a 51-54, 3-point margin. The varsity girl's race found three state-ranked teams in a tight battle, separated by only 7 points when the dust settled, defending state champion Medford-40 pts, followed by Lakeland-45 pts and the lady Hatchets with 47 pts placed a close 3rd. The Boys JV squad won the boys GNC title and the Girls JV finished 3rd.

Earning All-Conference medalist honors for the Hatchets were: Haley Voermans-Dean, Noah Buckwalter, Drew Bolder, Kate Reilly, Emily Lacina, Garron Albrent, and Macey Mann. Haley earned All-Conference 1st Team status for the 4th straight year, as she placed 3rd overall. Noah Buckwalter also earned AllConference 1st Team status with his 3rd place finish in the varsity boys race. Drew Bolder and Kate Reilly both placed 7th completing the Hatchet first team All-Conference honorees. Emily Lacina (8th), Garron Albrent (12th), and Macey Mann (14th) earned 2nd Team All-Conference status by virtue of their placement at the GNC event.

Other Hatchet varsity finishers were: Trey Baalke (15th), Meagan Berg and Arden Ziert (16th), Alex Norman (17th), Keaton Jed (21st), Greta Tjugum (28th), and Serena Reinke (34th).

Varsity results: BV-THS-51, Lake-54, Med-73, Mos-78, Rhine-95, NPHS-179, Ant-Inc GV-Med-40, Lake-45, THS-47, Mos-92, Rhine-129, NPHS-190, Ant-Inc

Junior Ethan Liebnitz topped the field in the final GNC event of the day as he won the Boys JV title, leading the field from start to finish. Helping propel the Boys JV to their 2nd straight JV title were: Hunter Borchardt-4th, Jack Lacina-7th, Reed Zedler-8th, Brady Tjugum-11th, Matt Johnson-15th, Taje Casey-20th, Trey Miler-32nd, John Mark Hawley-34th, and Henry Calhoun-35th.

The 4th place girls JV squad was led by Tiana Gerstenberger as she finished 11th overall. Other Tomahawk girls JV placers were: Neenah Fuste-14th, Gillian Buckwalter-16th, Ava Dragosh-20th, Geena Wanta-21st, Autumn Peissig-24th, and Yumo Zhang-33rd.

JV results: BJV-THS-31, Lake-34, Rhine-56, NPHS-Inc, Med-Inc GJV-Med-49, Lake-49, Mos-51, THS-82, Rhine-106

Next race for the Hatchets is on Saturday as Tomahawk hosts the WIAA Division 2 Northeastern Wisconsin Sectional race. The meet gets underway at 11:00 a.m. with the girls varsity race. The top 2 teams and the top five non-qualifying team members advance to the state meet the following weekend in Wisconsin Rapids.

In Other News

One Dead, Two Injured in SUV/UTV Crash near Tomahawk

Published on 08/18/2026 under News An 82-year-old Tomahawk woman has died following a two-vehicle crash involving a UTV and an SUV on Monday evening in Lincoln County. Emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. Highway 8 and County Road CC in the Town of Wilson at approximately 6:07 p.m. on August 17 after receiving a 911 call reporting a collision with multiple injuries. According to preliminary findings from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the UTV was attempting to cross Highway 8 when it was struck by a westbound SUV. The driver of the UTV was transported by ambulance to the hospital, and later died from her injuries. Her name is being withheld pending family notification. A 79-year-old passenger on the UTV was also taken to the hospital by ambulance with injuries and is expected to recover. The driver of the SUV, a 40-year-old woman, sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to the hospital via private vehicle. She is also expected to recover. The crash remains under active investigation.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help following a serious hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning in the Town of Merrill. At approximately 2:00 a.m., deputies responded to the area of County Highway K and Lake Pesobic Road after a man was found lying in the roadway with a head injury. The victim had little memory of the incident and was unable to provide a description of the vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Investigators determined the man was walking along the west side of County Highway K when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. Based on evidence recovered at the scene, deputies believe the suspect vehicle may be a truck with damage to its passenger-side mirror. The Sheriff's Office noted a couple of additional details from the investigation. A nearby Flock automated license plate camera was non-operational at the time due to previous vandalism. Additionally, while deputies located a second person along the roadside, that individual was determined to be an intoxicated pedestrian unrelated to the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has information about the vehicle, or was driving through the area between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Sunday is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News State Highway 17 will remain closed as transportation officials prepare to launch a pavement replacement project earlier than originally scheduled. According to Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer, the road's rapid deterioration prompted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to move the timeline forward. Keeping the highway closed now was determined to be the most cost-effective decision given the road conditions. Crews previously completed work to replace the Barnes Creek Bridge along the route earlier this summer. According to Lemmer, a new detour route will be posted shortly, while the official construction start date has not yet been announced. Highway 17 remains completely closed to traffic. The local highway department will continue to provide updates as construction schedules are finalized, and we'll of course share that information. The newly announced pavement project will extend into next year.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News With the new school year quickly approaching, a new list of unusual mascots has been released—and the Rhinelander Hodag is once again in the spotlight. Selected from more than 24,000 high schools nationwide, the Rhinelander Hodags landed at No. 7 on a new list of the Top 50 Most Interesting U.S. High School Nicknames. The rankings were compiled by high school nickname expert David Winder, author of Where Are the Fighting Giraffes: A Guide to the Ordinary, Odd and Outrageous Nicknames of U.S. High Schools. Winder says he created the list to celebrate the local stories behind unique team names, noting that "the best ones make people ask a question, tell a story, or immediately picture the place they represent." This is familiar territory for the Hodag, which regularly finds itself near the top of national lists celebrating unique, legendary, and downright strange mascots. The Hodags finished ahead of several other unusual contenders, including the Fluvanna County Flying Flucos, the Maryville Spoofhounds, the Yuma Criminals, the Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms, and the Mount Clemens Battling Bathers.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News A speeding motorcyclist received an unexpected educational lesson on proper firearm protocol during a recent traffic stop. The incident began last week when a deputy clocked a motorcycle traveling 91 mph in a 55 mph zone near the intersection of County Highways Q and K in the Town of Scott. According to the Sheriff's Office, after coming to a stop, the driver reached down and removed a handgun from his holster. The deputy immediately ordered the man to drop the weapon, and he complied without further incident. When questioned about his actions, the driver explained he had previously been advised to disarm himself if he was ever pulled over by law enforcement. The deputy took the opportunity to explain proper protocol for legal firearm owners during a traffic stop to ensure safety for both the driver and the officer. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that drivers should never reach for a firearm during a stop. Instead, drivers are advised to keep their hands clearly visible, immediately notify the officer of the weapon's location, and wait for further instructions. The driver was ultimately issued citations for speeding and other traffic violations.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Extremely dry conditions helped fuel a field fire near Eagle River Monday evening. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was called out around 5 p.m. after a combine sparked a fire in dry, cut hay. The fire spread quickly through the field. The department worked alongside the Eagle River DNR Wildland Firefighting Crew and farm workers. Crews were able to get the flames under control. A department drone equipped with thermal imaging was also used to help locate any remaining hotspots from above.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News A Northwoods attraction is teaming up with a local nonprofit this evening, using a pirate-themed fundraiser to tackle childhood food insecurity in Vilas and Oneida counties. Pirates Hideaway in Eagle River is hosting the "Pirates FOR Kids" event from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., donating proceeds to the organization Feed Our Rural Kids, or FORK. Organizers say the goal is simple: helping the nonprofit protect what they call the community's "real treasure," its youth. Ticket sales from Captain Steve's pirate ship cruises on the Eagle River Chain, as well as a portion of food and drink sales, will directly fund meal programs for area children. The event features live music, food sales, and raffles. All funds raised will support FORK's nutrition initiatives across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps school districts.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Each summer, the city of Merrill celebrates its local area and all it has to offer with a special community gathering. On Tuesday evening, the annual Merrill Community Night Out returns for its 14th year. The event is inspired by the nationwide National Night Out initiative, the later date is due to timing with the Lincoln County Fair. Organizers note the event gives residents a chance to learn more about local services while meeting the people who make those programs possible. As in years past, a lengthy list of local professionals and organizations are scheduled to attend. Local First Responders will be on site to give kids an up-close look at emergency equipment. Other scheduled participants include Merrill-Go-Round transit, Northcentral Technical College, the T.B. Scott Free Library, and Lincoln County Crime Stoppers. The event will be held at the Merrill Festival Grounds inside the Expo Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Featuring food, activities, and live entertainment, organizers encourage residents to bring the whole family out.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News A teenager sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Tomahawk late last week. The incident occurred late Thursday morning near SARA Park. According to reports, the teen was walking in a group when she was hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to another facility for additional treatment. Court records indicate that a 17-year-old female driver is facing multiple charges including reckless injury and recklessly endangering safety. She made an initial court appearance on Friday, where bond was set at $5,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 24.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News Voter participation in Lincoln County increased slightly during last week's Fall Primary, both in total votes cast and the percentage of registered voters who participated. According to preliminary results, turnout reached 41%, up from 39% in the 2024 fall primary. A total of 7,360 ballots were cast, an increase over the roughly 6,500 cast in 2024. Voter turnout was likely driven by several high-profile primary contests on both the Republican and Democratic side. The breakdown included approximately 4,200 Republican ballots, 2,600 Democratic ballots, and 10 ballots cast for third-party candidates, including the Green, Constitution, and Libertarian parties. Lincoln County results mirrored overall totals in most top-of-ticket races: Tom Tiffany-Republican Governor nomination; David Crowley-Democratic Governor nomination; and Michael Alfonso-Republican 7th congressional district nomination. There was an exception in the 7th congressional district Democratic nomination. While Ginger Murray received the most in Lincoln County, Fred Clark scored more votes district-wide to win the nomination. Voter turnout typically increases in the Fall General Election, the first Tuesday in November.

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