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Tomahawk School District Hosts GNC All-Conference Music Festival Published on 11/08/2019 under News

Some of the top high school aged singers and musicians from the Northwoods will be in Tomahawk this weekend.

It's time once again for the Great Northern Conference 2019 Music Festival. Over 100 band and choir students from the 7 GNC schools have been selected to participate.

Tomahawk Director of Choirs Corey Colburn explained that the students will spend the day learning under the tutelage of Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj of UW-River Falls and Dr. Andrew Last of Luther College.

At the culmination of the day, those students will come together for a public performance. That's scheduled for 6:00pm tomorrow in the auditorium. Tickets will be available for $4 at the door.

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And a congratulations go out to Tomahawk's all-conference musicians this year. That includes eight singers: Hannah Davis, Lily Jahn, Allison Schmidt, Harmony Houpt, Jack McGovern, Jimmy Rau, Martin Schmidt, and Jason Nehring, and five instrumentalists:Grace Kummerfeldt, Sierra Swenson, Mckenna Roessler, Anthony Ierulli, and Seth Ploeckelman.

In Other News

Tomahawk Main Street Gears Up for an Epic 45th Anniversary Celebration

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The countdown is on for an unforgettable milestone as Fall Ride prepares to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this annual Northwoods tradition. For more than four decades, the event has brought together riders and music lovers from across the Midwest with a weekend filled with chrome, community, and charitable impact. Tomahawk Main Street is proud to be at the center of it all. What began as a small street dance at the corner of Wisconsin and North 4th Street has become an event that now spans the entire length of the business district in downtown Tomahawk. The Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride Committee is planning the biggest celebration yet, and they need your help. The committee has the opportunity to secure a nostalgic, national metal band to headline the iconic Saturday night street dance. This is more than just another year," said Jennifer Turkiewicz, Tomahawk Main Street Executive Director. "The 45th Anniversary deserves something extraordinary, and we want to give our visitors and community something memorable." Bringing a national act requires raising more money and securing more sponsors. "This event is fully funded by sponsors and four beer tents that we set up during the weekend. The expense associated with the security, insurance, and outdoor facilities to accommodate 40,000 plus visitors to our street is tens of thousands of dollars and that does not include the expenses of staging and hosting large bands. The event is not a money maker for our organization, but it is a money maker for our whole community, and that's why we are proud to make it bigger and better every year," Turkiewicz noted. To help bring the dream to life Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride is launching a Big Anniversary Raffle where they will give away $4,500.00 for the 45th year. A very limited number of tickets will be sold for $100.00 each, and prizes will include two VIP Meet and Greet passes with the Headliner, a second-place prize of $500.00, and the Grand Prize of $4,000.00. Winners and our full Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride music lineup will be announced at a Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 24th at 6:30pm at Strikers in Tomahawk. Tickets can be purchased at the Tomahawk Main Street Office (located at 223 W. Wisconsin Avenue) or Honeycomb L.O.F.T., What's Brewin', Sideways Wine and Craft Beer, Crossbridge Community Bank, or Calhoun Insurance.

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The Nicolet Players will hold open auditions for the spring production of Fahrenheit 451 at the Theatre at Nicolet College. Auditions will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, February 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. All community members and students are welcome to audition, and no experience is required. No appointment is needed. Performers are encouraged to simply drop in. There will be seven male and five female roles available and assorted voices. Scripts will be available at the Nicolet College Library to check out. The Nicolet Players are also looking for behind-the-scenes helpers who can support bringing the production to life. Stop by auditions to learn more about behind-the-scenes opportunities to get involved. The play will open in April, with five performances from April 16 through 19. Questions can be sent to boxoffice@nicoletcollege.edu.

Published on 02/25/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Girls' Basketball season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night at the Hatchet House, losing to Spooner, 50-46. The Hatchets were unable to overcome Freya Alberg and Lizzy Arnott fouling out of the game late in the second half. In her final High School game, Alberg finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Anita Ziert also finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points and hauling down 11 boards. Tomahawk finishes the 2025-26 season with a 12-13 record and a 6-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate one senior from their team, Freya Alberg, who will be playing College Ball next year at Grinnell College in Iowa.

Published on 02/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use including some upcoming public discussions. The Lincoln County Health Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, will be holding three community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The first is coming up Wednesday. These events are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Stigma, negative attitudes or beliefs about substance use, are often a hurdle in people seeking help. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray says, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The first opportunity will be a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30pm. They also have in-person events planned in Merrill March 17 and Tomahawk April 8. A link to the virtual town hall is available here: https://bit.ly/LincTownHall

Published on 02/24/2026 under News On Friday, Lincoln County deputies were dispatched to an injury crash involving a Lincoln County Plow truck and a passenger car on US Highway 51 in the Town of Skanawan. Upon arrival, the deputies were advised that the plow truck being operated by a 34 year old man from Irma, WI was actively engaged in plowing operations heading northbound on US Highway 51 when the truck was struck in the rear by a passenger car being operated by a 56 year old man from Merrill, WI. Both the driver and passenger of the car reported injuries, and the driver of the plow truck reported back pain.

Published on 02/24/2026 under News Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect the entire family. Many people associate them with food or weight changes, but the impact often reaches beyond eating habits and into relationships, routines, and emotional well-being. "It's not just eating too much or eating too little," said Jessica Schiek, LPC, Behavioral Health Director at Aspirus Health. "It's a comprehensive mental health condition that affects behaviors, moods, physical health, and attitudes related to food." The early warning signs are not always physical. Families may notice changes in routines or social habits, and those shifts can feel confusing at first. Mood shifts or irritability may follow. Eating disorders also intersect with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use, which can make a loved one's behavior difficult for families to interpret and can strain communication at home. Schiek encourages families to seek professional guidance when something feels different rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. "Come at it with a supportive, caring approach," she said. "Set aside dedicated time in a private space and open up communication. It might not always be well received, but it can be a place to start." Treatment typically involves coordinated care from medical and mental health professionals. Families are often an important part of that process. Resources for caregivers and siblings are available through organizations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at nationaleatingdisorders.org. "The most important thing to know is that recovery is possible," Schiek said. "It might take time, and relapse can be part of recovery, but there is hope."

Published on 02/23/2026 under News On Saturday, the 8th annual Chili Cook-off was held at the Nokomis Fire Station. Celebrity judges from the area rated the chili from 1-10 in different categories. The cook-off helped raised money through various raffles featuring over 70 items. Some of the proceeds will go the Kinship of Tomahawk. The rest will be split between Northwoods Veterans, the Oneida County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the Nokomis Fire Department. The Aspirus MedEvac team took first place in the mild chili category and the Arbor Vitae Fire Department took first place in the hot chili category. Other winners include; Chairman's Choice Aspirus MedEvac, Best Presentation to Minocqua Fire Department and People's Choice to Arbor Vitae Fire Department. There we're a total of 12 chili contest entries.

Published on 02/23/2026 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital honored Francis Smazal, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of his commitment and patient-centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart. Smazal works in the Medical-Surgical Unit and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a grateful patient. Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award. The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

Published on 02/20/2026 under Sports On Thursday night, the Hatchet Hockey Team traveled to Hudson for a WIAA Regional Final game. The host Raiders are the #1 seed in Sectional One and also the top ranked division one team in Wisconsin. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead on Tomahawk, scoring six minutes into the game on an even strength goal. Then with 7:21 remaining in the first, Hudson scored another even strength goal to lead 2-0. The Raiders would add their third goal of the first, 00:22 later and led 3-0. The Hatchets would respond with their first goal of the game, with 5:51 left in the first, Jonah Dickens scored on a power play goal from the high slot. The Dickens goal was assisted by Brayden Lamer and Jake Albert. No more scoring would occur, and Hudson led Tomahawk 3-1 after one. The Raiders out-shot Tomahawk 21-5 in the first period and Hudson Seymour had numerous huge saves to keep Tomahawk in it. The second period would see two goals for each team, with Hudson scoring 00:47 in on a power play and led 4-1. Tomahawk would respond when Jake Albert hit Jett Reilly on a stretch pass, Reilly would bury the puck and the Hatchets cut the lead to 4-2. Hudson came back with an even strength goal a minute and a half later to regain a three goal advantage. Tomahawk would close out the scoring on a nifty goal from Cole Peterson with just 00:07 remaining. The Peterson goal was assisted by Beau Stromberg. The Raiders led 5-3 after two. The Raiders again out-shot Tomahawk 15-6. Tomahawk would come out firing in the third period, scoring just 00:15 in to cut the deficit to 5-4. Brayden Lamer with a snipe from the left face-off dot. Just over three minutes later, Jonah Dickens scored his second of the night and Tomahawk tied it at five apiece. The goal assisted by Jett Reilly. Dickens would complete his hat trick 3:30 later at the 7:04 mark of the third on a power play goal. That goal assisted by Lamer and Albert. Tomahawk scoring four unanswered goals to get a 6-5 lead with 9:54 remaining in the game. Hudson would respond with three unanswered goals to advance in the playoffs. The Raiders got a power play goal with just 2:26 remaining in the game to tie it 6-6. The Raiders took the lead, 7-6 00:57 later and would add an empty net goal with under 00:40 to play for the 8-6 win. Shots were even, 7-7 in the third. Jonah Dickens (three goals), Brayden Lamer (one goal, 2 assists) and Jake Albert (three assists) all had three points, Jett Reilly had two points (one goal, one assist), while Cole Peterson had a goal and Beau Stromberg had an assist. It was an exciting game as Tomahawk's season comes to an end with a 22-4 record. The Hatchets are champions of the Great Northern Conference for the third straight year finishing 10-0 in league play. Hudson advances to the sectionals and will host Superior on Tuesday. The Spartans defeated Eau Claire Memorial to advance. The Hatchets graduate from the program Jonah Dickens, Brody Hilgendorf, Rex Reilly, Beau Stromberg, Caiden Reichelt, Landyn Seymour, and Michael Samundsen (pictured above).

Published on 02/20/2026 under News A new grant program is being created in Langlade County to address substance abuse use through funds received from opioid lawsuit settlements. The Langlade County Opioid Taskforce is announcing a new funding opportunity to support local efforts aimed at preventing, reducing, and responding to the impacts of opioid use in their community. Funding priorities are based on community input. These priorities are outlined in the Community Impact Report. In announcing the program, the taskforce said, "We are committed to supporting initiatives that reflect the needs and voices of our community. This funding opportunity is designed to help local partners create meaningful, sustainable impact." Details about the funding opportunity, eligibility, and application materials can be found on the Langlade County Health Department website at: the deadline to apply is April 1st.

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