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Midweek Hatchet Sports Recap Published on 01/15/2020 under Sports

Tuesday night was another exciting night of Hatchet Athletics. It was Senior Night for the Hatchet hockey team as the boys played host to Medford with both teams looking for their first conference victory. The Raiders jumped on top after a long stalemate in scoring in the first period. Freshman Connor Gowey had a puck dribble through the legs of Tomahawk's Chris Callahan to put the Raiders up one, and then just a few minutes later, Medford's leading scorer Carter Pernsteiner had to fight the puck in, but it would count all the same, giving Medford a 2-0 lead.

The second period early on would look similar to the first with Medford grabbing two quick goals, however Tomahawk would fight back. Caleb Lund took a shot from the slot, assisted by Cody Scholz. Zach Friske would follow things up going top shelf on the right side bring things back to 4-2, however just seconds later, Colton Gowey put his first goal of the night in the net in a scramble in front of the net, with the second period ending in a 5-2 score.

Austin Waldhart would start the scoring off in the third period on give and go just 28 seconds in. Cody Scholz and Zach Friske would score late in the third but the deficit would be too much as the Hatchets fell 6-4. Tomahawk will be back in action on Tuesday on the road at Mosinee.

On the wrestling mat, both middle school and high school teams were in action. The middle schoolers were in a scramble at Rhinelander that involved Crandon, DC Everest, Lakeland, Rhinelander, Three Lakes, and Tomahawk. Despite no team scores being kept, multiple Hatchet wrestlers picked up victories including Kavon Cole, Jack Derleth, Keagon Flemming, Presley Gutbrod, Michael Horabik, Ryan Larson, Brandon Powers, Bradyn Ristau, DJ Scott, Drew Tollefson, Mason Towle, and Ethan Trayes. The Hatchets are back in action on January 23rd when they travel to Marshfield.

The high schoolers traveled to Shawano and defeated them 48 to 23. The Hatchets picked up seven pins on the night, while grabbing two decisions, one by Tony Matti in the 285-pound weight class and Eric Decker in 220. The Hatchets are back on the mat Thursday night at Mosinee.

In Other News

Packer Foundation Awards Grants to Local Non-Profits

Published on 12/19/2025 under News The Packers play the Bears this weekend, but earlier this week they played the role of Santa, providing non-profits around the state with an early Christmas gift. Each year, the Green Bay Packer Foundation provides grants to hundreds of non-profits around the state. This year their board selected nearly 400 organizations who will share in 1.5 million dollars. Each cycle, the Foundation focuses on specific themes. This year it was animal welfare, health and wellness, civic and community initiatives, and environmental causes. Recipients represent 63 of the state's 72 counties including a few in the Northwoods. There was just one Lincoln County recipient, WaWui in Tomahawk, which is the organization that operates SARA Park. Up in Oneida County, Northwoods Wildlife Center, Oneida County Humane Society, and Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. Further north in Vilas County-the Conover Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Northwoods Children's Museum, and St. Germain Silent Trails. In the coming days, we'll take a look at how some of these organizations plan to use their funds to invest in the community. Packers President/CEO Ed Policy says, "It is truly an honor for the Packers to be in a position to support the crucial work these recipient organizations do in our communities. We are proud to support their causes and shine a light on them." Representatives from each organization were invited to a presentation ceremony at Lambeau this past week. Since the Foundation was established in 1986, they've distributed nearly $30 million. Next year's cycle will focus on groups addressing arts and culture, the environment, and food insecurity.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News Northwoods snowmobilers are getting an early Christmas present with some trail openings in Vilas and Oneida Counties on Friday. Officials are reminding riders to use a little extra caution and remember the rules to a safe season. Clubs anticipate trails will be in early-season riding conditions, and those warnings came before Thursday's warm and rainy day which could result in icy stretches and bare spots. While the trails on land will be opening, riders are encouraged to stay off of any trails that cross bodies of water until they have been inspected and marked by clubs. They're also reminding riders to stay on marked trails and obey all signs. During last year's abbreviated riding season, there were still 9 fatal snowmobile crashes around the state. Five were here in the Northwoods. Excessive speed, alcohol use and inexperience are frequently listed among the common causes of snowmobile crashes. We'll continue to provide trail updates throughout the riding season.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News An award winning winter attraction in the Northwoods is set to return this weekend. Boulder Junction's Winter Park is back, highlighted by the second season of The Glide, their popular, ice skating ribbon. The approximately mile-long frozen trail weaves through the trees for ice skaters for a scenic skating setting. Over the summer the project won a Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry – First Ascent Award for Innovation. It was converted from an under-utilized. And they've been working on some improvements to not only the trail itself, but the amenities to improve the entire experience. Laura Bertch is Chair of the Boulder Junction Park Board said, "Winter Park has quickly become a signature destination for residents and visitors alike, and these upgrades will make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone." Beyond the Glide, Winter Park also features a community ice rink and a sledding hill. Even their new Tall Pines Disc Golf course is open. Typical hours for Winter Park are 10 am to 10 pm. You can follow BoulderatPlay on Facebook for updates, news, and special events.

Published on 12/19/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad would finish the 2025 calendar year with a 115-43 loss to Rhinelander at the Hodag Pool Thursday evening. The Hatchets would come away with one first-place finish in the dual meet. Bruce Peetz would win the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.26. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 1-6 on the season. The Hatchets will take a couple of weeks off before their next meet, a double dual in Medford with the host and Lakeland January 6th

Published on 12/19/2025 under News An annual holiday collection for the two Tomahawk area food pantries is in full swing. Each December, the Heritage Chevrolet 'Fill the Need' campaign ensures the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries are well stocked not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. 'Fill the Need' started in memory of a former Heritage employee who passed away shortly before the holidays in 1996. That makes this year number 28 for Fill the Need. The collection has changed over the years. It was initially known as Fill the Truck, Fill the Need. And they used to actually fill a full-sized Chevy Silverado pick-up truck with non perishable food items. In recent years, they transitioned to a fundraiser instead. Monetary donations better suit the current needs of the food pantries, allowing them to re-stock their shelves with items of greatest need throughout the year. As a special thank you to the donors, they've once again partnered with dozens of local businesses to collect thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Those drawings will take place next Monday, live on WJJQ. There's still time to get involved. For the easiest way to donate, you can visit the Heritage website and clicking on the Fill the Need banner. Or you can drop off a check in-person at Heritage.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News Marshfield Medical Center in Minocqua is hosting a special Christmas tree for those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. And they're inviting the public to hang a special ornament in honor of a loss. Staff at the facility have decorated the tree with blue and pink lights. They said community members can help remember their little loved losses by visiting the tree and placing an ornament. It can be a family ornament, or they also have a selection that can be personalized.(Once they take down the tree, families can collect their ornament, or leaving them to be displayed again next year.) Jamie Howell, Nurse Manager at Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Birth Center says, "The loss of a little one is always difficult, and we hope this brings comfort and peace during the holiday season." The remembrance tree is in the medical offices lobby and will remain on display through Jan. 5.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News The Medford Police Department has introduced the community to their newest officer. His name is Boone and he's a K9 bloodhound. According to the announcement, Boone becomes the department's first K9. He partner and handler is Chief Chad Liske. They department says Boone is working on his training to become a tracking/trailing K9 to assist in the search for missing/lost persons. They added, "You may see Boone out in about in the community as he works on his socialization. Feel free to say hello and offer some friendly pets if you see him." Boone joined the department last month.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Despite the mild temperatures outside, another snowmobile trail system is set to open ahead of the weekend. According to an update from Vilas County Forestry, Recreation and Land Department, the Vilas County trail system will open tomorrow morning at 8am. The decision comes after a meeting of the eleven clubs that make up the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance. They noted in the announcement that this year's opening was set back by damage caused by the winter storms in late November. Trails are expected to be in early season riding conditions. In the announcement, they also urged riders to use caution and stay off lakes until they've been marked. As we announced yesterday, trails in Oneida County are also slated to open on Friday at noon.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Experts are predicting record travel numbers in Wisconsin over the upcoming winter holidays. According to Triple A, nearly 2.4 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles over the next two weeks. The projection would break the previous high, set last year, and comes on the heels of a record-setting Thanksgiving holiday. This year, that travel window is defined as the thirteen-day period from Saturday, December 20 to Thursday, January 1. Nearly 90% of those travelers will do so by vehicle. With Christmas falling midweek once again, travel will likely be spread out in the days leading up to Christmas. And as often the case, traveling on the holiday itself might be the least crowded. Traffic will pick back up again on the Saturday and Sunday following Christmas. They don't anticipate major impacts on New Year's eve/day. Traffic typically increases in the afternoons and evenings, so those looking to avoid busy roadways should plan to leave earlier in the day. As for gas prices, drivers will be saving about a quarter per gallon compared to last year. The statewide average at around $2.50.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Data shows an uptick in respiratory illness in the area, and local officials are encouraging people take simple steps to stay healthier over the holidays. According to the Oneida County Health Department, respiratory illness activity is listed as moderate across Wisconsin's Northern Region based on emergency department visits. They said, data show increasing activity of influenza, Covid-19, and RSV, with influenza rising more quickly than other respiratory illnesses. With holiday gatherings upon us, they offered a few reminders of common ways to reduce the risk. First and foremost they recommend getting a flu shot and Covid booster, especially for those 65 and older or those with chronic conditions.Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and utilize hand sanitizer when that's not possible.Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.Stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness.And when the temps allow, try and open a window to get some improved airflow indoors.The Department says, "Taking simple steps now helps keep you, your loved ones, and our community healthier this season."

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