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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

Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital earns Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Acute Stroke Ready Certification

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Acute Stroke Ready Certification. To earn the certification, the hospital underwent a rigorous, on-site review in November. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations and interviews and evaluated the hospital's compliance with related certification standards including program management, processes for delivering clinical care, and performance improvement – standards that are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The Tomahawk Hospital Team represents multiple hospital disciplines whose efforts strive to provide extraordinary outcomes for each patient they treat, knowing that every stroke journey is unique. Crucial to the Stroke Team's readiness is their continuous education and knowledge of community risk factors leading to stroke, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The team uses this knowledge, along with clinical practice guidelines, to proactively collaborate with all Aspirus providers to offer patient education and resources. Time is of the utmost importance. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the outcome. Aspirus Health encourages everyone to use BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke: • Balance; sudden loss of coordination • Eyes; sudden change in vision • Face; sudden weakness on one side or facial droop • Arm; sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness • Speech; sudden slurred speech • Terrible Headache or Time to call 9-1-1 If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News The Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will be honoring the veterans laid to rest on their grounds as part of a special nationwide holiday program. Coming up Saturday, in National Veterans' Cemeteries around the country, VA officials, family members and volunteers will take part in Wreaths Across America. Over the past few months, they have been busy working to ensure that families, loved ones, and heroes are honored and remembers over the holidays. This is done through the placement of Christmas wreaths at each burial sites. Similar events are taking part around the country. While the tradition dates back further, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw has participated since opening in 2019. The wreaths are sponsored and the local cemetery exceeds their goal each year with more than 500 wreaths sponsored this year. This year's theme is 'KEEP MOVING FORWARD' Organizers note, "There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. As for the schedule for Saturday's events, the ceremony will begin at 11am with the ceremonial wreath placement to follow. And they're teaming up with Rondele Ranch, just down the road, for a luncheon following the ceremony. They'll also be offering a complimentary (and encouraged due to limited parking) shuttle bus from Rondele Ranch to the Cemetery which will leave at 10:30am and 10:45am. The Northwoods National Cemetery is located on Lakewood Road in Harshaw.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' wrestling squad notched their second conference dual win of the season, defeating Medford Thursday night on the road, 48-30. The win gives Tomahawk a 5-1 overall record and a 2-0 record in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will head on the road for their first invite of the season Saturday at Crandon. Events begin at 9:30.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader in Three Lakes Thursday night. The Hatchet girls' comeback attempt fell just short, losing, 51-49. Tomahawk trailed by 17 at the half and clawed their way back into the game, but came up just short in the final minutes. Anita Ziert led the way in scoring with 14 points. Freya Alberg would finish with ten points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-2 on the season and 1-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Meanwhile, the Hatchet boys would suffer their fourth straight loss of the season, losing 75-20. Jerry Johnson led the way for Tomahawk with ten points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-4 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Friday night for a Great Northern Conference showdown against Northland Pines. The girls will be at home and the boys will be on the road. The girls' game will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show beginning at 5:35 and tip-off is at 6:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth. The boys' game tips off at 7:15 at Northland Pines.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad would suffer their third straight dual loss to begin the season Thursday, losing at Seymour to Seymour/Shawano, 105-54. The Hatchets would have three first-place finishers in the dual meet. Dane Dekiep, Bruce Peetz, Max Amelse, and Connor Germano placed first in the 200 Medley with a time of 2:03. Peetz would also finish first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 0-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action for a home double dual Tuesday with Medford and Wausau East.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News The FBLA chapter at Tomahawk High School has launched a community initiative called the Warm Clothing Drive to support individuals and families in need during the cold winter months. They are collecting new or gently used winter clothing items—including coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, and boots—for people of all ages. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the essential items they need to stay warm and safe this season. To help make this drive as successful as possible, they are seeking additional support and donations from local community members. The collection will run through December 19th, and all donations can be dropped off at the Tomahawk High School main office.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News Tomahawk Main Street will resemble a scene taken from a classic holiday movie. Coming up on Friday, the district will host the second night of a two-part Christmas celebration. Among the highlights is the Main Street Memories Christmas windows. This is year number six for the live mannequin displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to talk a bit about what has become an annual tradition. She notes that the event has become something very special with families coming out to enjoy the evening. The original idea was inspired by large department stores of yesteryear, they plan on having actors portraying holiday and winter scenes in the store windows. It's an impressive undertaking, and Turkiewicz was quick to share credit with Mary Smith who has taken the reins. Turkiewicz joked that Smith takes a rest on the December 26th like Santa before she begins planning for the following year on the 27th. They include more than 40 businesses and 200 to 250 actors who make up the scenes. This year's theme is the '12 Days of Christmas'. Turkiewicz was excited to see what see what all the shops have planned for this year and encouraged people to come down in check it out. We'll offer a preview of some of the other activities later this week.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has opened a new dual helipad that expands its capacity for emergency air transport and supports faster access to advanced medical care for patients across north central Wisconsin. The upgraded facility replaces the former single landing space and positions two landing pads adjacent to the emergency department for direct, rapid patient transfer. The new helipad was developed in response to growing MedEvac demand. Aspirus receives more than six hundred helicopter transports each year, often involving patients who require immediate trauma, cardiac, stroke or specialty services. The dual landing zones allow aircraft to arrive without delay, particularly during incidents with multiple patients or simultaneous requests. "This helps us move patients quickly and safely to the care they need," said Chad Eckhard, Base Aviation Manager and helicopter pilot. "It is better for the patients, safer for the crews and a positive step for the community." The site incorporates several upgrades designed to increase safety and reliability. A heated snow melt system keeps the landing surface clear throughout winter, pilot-controlled lighting enhances visibility during landings and future GPS flight approaches will support access in lower visibility. These features reduce operational delays and improve safety for both patients and clinical teams. The helipad project aligns with broader facility planning at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, including recent emergency department expansion and long-term growth of specialty services.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News A local hospital will be getting into the holiday spirit with a special tree lighting ceremony this evening. For the past month, the Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Foundation has been collecting donations for their Love Lights Tree. Sponsors were able to reserve a white light in memory of a loved one or blue lights in the honor of a relative, family member or friend. Last year more than 200 lights were dedicated as part of the ceremony. Proceeds will be used by the Foundation to improve the health and wellness of the Tomahawk Community. This includes both Aspirus Foundation programs like their youth bike helmets, hospital/clinic resources, and even community non-profits. Coming up this evening the Foundation will hold a dedication and lighting ceremony at the hospital at 5:30pm and the public is invited to attend. The event will include local vocalists sharing Christmas songs. The tree will remain lighted throughout the holiday season.

Published on 12/10/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad gutted out their fifth straight win to begin the season, coming from behind to defeat Great Northern Conference rival Northland Pines, 6-5, Tuesday night. The Hatchets trailed by two goals in the first and second periods before coming back to get their third conference win of the season. Jonah Dickens' second goal of the night gave Tomahawk the lead with under two minutes remaining. The Hatchets also got goals from Jett Reilly, Brayden Lamer, and Caiden Reichelt. Tomahawk improves their record to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Saturday afternoon for a non-conference showdown with 2025 state qualifier Somerset. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show will begin at 1:35 and opening face-off will be at 2:00 from SARA Park Saturday.

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