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Tomahawk Wrestling Faces-off Against Medford Published on 01/30/2020 under Sports

In one of the most anticipated dual meets of this year, the Tomahawk Hatchets welcome in Medford tonight. The Hatchets and the Raiders are two of the better teams in Division 2. The Hatchets have moved up to rank 6th in the division after a 60-12 victory against Antigo, while Medford has dropped down just a bit. The wrestling will get underway tonight at 7 PM.

In Other News

Heritage Chevrolet 'Fill the Need' Fundraiser Raises $14k for Local Food Pantries

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Two area food pantries will once again benefit from the community's generosity and an annual holiday fundraiser organized by a local auto dealership. Over the past 28 years, the Schlegel family and their team at Heritage Chevrolet in Tomahawk have organized what is known as 'Fill the Need.' On Monday, Roger Schlegel and Renee Merrigan from Heritage joined Gregg (Albert) and Alex (Koch) on the Midday Show to recap the event. In recent years, the Fill the Need has transitioned from a food drive to a fundraising effort which better suits the needs of the food pantries by allowing them to purchase items of need as they need them. Over the years they've raised tens of thousands of dollars, and 2025 was another record setting year. Over the past three weeks, the community contributed nearly $14,000 for the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries. That included contributions from 286 donors, making it an average donation of nearly $50 per person. And in a case of give and you shall receive, 75 prizes were drawn from those who contributed. While Heritage takes the lead in organizing Fill the Need, more than 40 other local businesses pledged thousand of dollars in prizes to reward donors. Schlegel was quick to thank those businesses and used it as an opportunity to promote Shop Local efforts. He also thanked the Heritage team, their partners, and the entire community for making a difference and helping those in need. The winner's list is available on the Heritage Facebook page. We'll got them listed on the WJJQ website, as well. Winners can stop in at the dealership to claim their prizes.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is looking to educate residents on advocacy skills. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshops help participants learn how to effectively share their lived experience with mental illness to influence policymakers. NAMI Northwoods announced they'll be offering free workshops designed to help build those skills for residents across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. The trained instructors offer practical tools to advocate for improved mental health policies in the state. Topics include contacting and meeting with legislators, understanding Wisconsin's legislative process, and learning how a bill becomes law. Executive Director Traci Schlegel said, "With so much noise in politics, it is easy to believe our voices do not matter. In reality, our lived experiences and personal stories are some of the most effective tools we have to influence mental health legislation." NAMI Northwoods will offer the workshops tailored to a variety of settings, including workplaces, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community groups. To learn more or request a NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshop, contact Tracy Schlegel, Executive Director of NAMI Northwoods, at info@naminorthwoods.org or 715-432-0180.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Nicolet College has a long history of working closely with local communities, businesses and organizations. That starts at the top, and Nicolet College President Kate Ferrel will be adding another role to her duties. Starting with the new year, Ferrel will take over as the Chair of the Board for the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation. In her role as Board Chair, Ferrel will advance strategic initiatives to support economic growth in Vilas County. She was elected at the VCEDC annual meeting on December 12 and will succeed Jim Tuckwell, who has served as Chair for eight years. Under Tuckwell's leadership, VCEDC had a significant impact on high-speed broadband expansion and community development projects. Ferrel says "I am honored to step into this role and continue the important work of strengthening economic opportunities in Vilas County." With more than 25 years of experience in Wisconsin's technical college system, Ferrel has led programs to advance workforce development and economic growth in central and northern Wisconsin. Of her double duty, Ferrel added, "I believe deeply in the impact of partnerships between local businesses, local government, and local educators to build strong, resilient and diverse economies."

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Officials are encouraging people look to reduce food waste over the holiday season which is both good for the environment and your wallet. A recent study by the DNR showed that wasted food was among the largest components of trash in the state. The average home sends nearly 300 pounds of food to landfill. As part of their holiday recycling and waste reduction campaign, the agency focused on food as well. Erik Flesch is a DNR organics waste management specialist. He says, "We may not typically think of reducing food waste in our homes as recycling. But being conscious of the food we buy, the way we store it and the way we dispose of it can reduce hunger, save money and improve Wisconsin's environment." As for ways to bring those numbers down over the holidays, a few simple steps can make a difference. It starts with planning: get a head count, prepare a menu, make a list, and stick to it.Consider shopping your own refrigerator, freezer and pantry for food items you may already have.Use safe food practices to ensure leftovers stay good longer, and send leftovers home with guests. And rather than tossing fruits and vegetables and their scraps, keep them for use in compost.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News The holidays are meant to be joyous, but can often turn stressful with travel, gatherings and disrupted routines including sleep schedules. Aspirus is reminding people to be mindful when taking products to get a little shut-eye. Asprius pharmacy resident Marissa Harle says, "During the stressful holiday season, people often reach for easily accessible products when they are having trouble sleeping." This can include OTC meds, supplements, and other products. Even sold over the counter, Harle says these sleep aids are not risk-free. Many can cause sleepiness extending into the following day. The products may also interact with other prescription medications, as well as alcohol. Typically these sleep aids are meant for short-term, occasional use. Harle says using them long-term may be masking other concerns that need to be addressed ranging from lifestyle factors and late-day caffeine use to excessive stress and underlying medical issues. These can be discussed with your provider.

Published on 12/22/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Hockey team's undefeated season would continue at SARA Park Saturday afternoon, defeating the West Bend Bears, 9-1. Tomahawk would score at least two goals in every single period during the game. Jonah Dickens notched five goals on the day. However, his biggest achievement came with his fourth goal of the game. Dickens surpasses former teammate Austin Lamer as Tomahawk's all-time leading scorer with now 234 career points. Dickens also has the Hatchet all-time goals record at 155. The Hatchets also got goals from Caiden Reichelt, Rex Reilly, Cole Peterson, and Beau Stromberg. Jett Reilly had four assists, and Rex Reilly and Jake Albert each had two assists. Tomahawk's record improves to 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets begin the Rocket Red Nose Classic in Neenah December 28th. Their first game is against #1 in Division 1 Stevens Point at 4:30 PM.

Published on 12/22/2025 under News 3-D mammograms have been shown to provide more accurate breast screening, and that technology is coming to another Northwoods community. Rhinelander Aspirus Hospital announced this past week new 3D mammography with Genius AI. According to the release, the advanced imaging can reveal tumors too small to feel and catch cancers before symptoms appear. Clinical studies show that 3D mammography: Finds 41% more invasive cancers Reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40% Can detect cancers up to 15 months earlier than conventional mammogramsThey hope the clearer imaging means earlier detection, quicker results and fewer unnecessary call-backs. Rick Mai, Radiology Director, Aspirus Health's North Region. He says, "Women often tell us that waiting for mammogram results can be one of the most anxious moments of the year. What excites us most about bringing 3D mammography to Rhinelander isn't the machine—it's what the experience means for our patients." They note in the announcement that the experience of a 3D mammogram is nearly identical to a traditional exam—same positioning, similar compression, and completed in just a few minutes. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital continues to offer both options so patients can discuss the best option with their provider. Mammograms remain one of the most powerful tools in the early detection of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women of average risk begin annual mammograms at age 45 with the option to start as early as age 40.

Published on 12/22/2025 under News Officials are anticipating people will pay more to heat their homes this winter when compared to last, but the estimate is in line with the recent average. This past week, Wisconsin Public Service released their winter heating forecast. They said the typical monthly heating bill will be about $13 higher when compared to last winter, bringing it back in line the previous two heating seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23). According to the WPS announcement, this year's predicted increase comes from higher natural gas prices and forecasted colder temperatures when compared to last winter. It also includes ongoing investments in equipment upgrades and reliability. They explained that the utility takes steps to minimize the impacts of fuel cost fluctuation such as buying and storing natural gas when prices are lower or locking in contracts when costs drop. Assistance is available for qualifying customers. Otherwise WPS says people can take simple steps at home to lower costs, such as opening shades and blinds on sunny days and closing them at night. Lowering the thermostat when you are away or sleeping, sealing gaps around windows and doors.

Published on 12/22/2025 under News Kids in northern Wisconsin will have some additional opportunities this summer thanks to the Green Bay Packers. This past week, the Green Bay Packer Foundation announced grants for nearly 400 non-profit organizations around the state. That includes the Northwoods Children's Museum in Eagle River. The museum has been serving the area for nearly three decades offering hands-on educational play and more than 25 interactive exhibits. According to Executive Director Danielle Larsen, they'll be utilizing the Packer Foundation grant to help provide additional free summer wildlife classes for children and families. Larsen, joined by board member Brooke Fitch-Collins, traveled to Green Bay alongside representatives from other recipient organizations to attend a luncheon at Lambeau Field and meet some Packer alumni. In the coming days, we'll continue to look at how some of other groups in Northwoods will be investing their Packer Foundation grants. Photo: left to right: Northwoods Children's Museum Executive Director Danielle Larsen, Green Bay Packers Alumnus Vonnie Holliday, Northwoods Children's Museum Board Member Brooke Fitch-Collins

Published on 12/22/2025 under News A home in Antigo is likely a total loss after a weekend fire. According to a news release from the Antigo Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a structure fire on 5th Avenue at shortly after 2am Saturday morning. They arrived to find an attached garage fully engulfed, with the fire spreading to the second story of the home. Fortunately, all occupants of the home were able to safely evacuate. According to the release, cold weather conditions added additional challenges during their efforts. While the fire originated in the garage of the home, the exact cause wasn't immediately determined. Crews from several neighboring agencies provided mutual aid, while Kwik Trip provided food for responders on scene. Firefighters were on the scene for nearly seven hours.

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