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Tomahawk Girl's Basketball Picks Up Win on Senior Night Published on 02/19/2020 under Sports

The Tomahawk Hatchet girl's basketball team hasn't had the season they may have hoped for, but Tuesday night for Senior night, they couldn't have dreamed for a better ending. The Hatchets hosted White Lake and their Senior, Natalie Zastrow, was able to end her final home game of her Hatchet basketball career on high spirits. Tomahawk was victorious over White Lake with a dominant 52-20 win, their largest margin of victory all season. Tiana Gerstenberger and Gracie Barnett were the top scorers for the Hatchets with 11 points each. Emily Maki was just behind them with eight, while Natalie Zatrow and Maddie Marino had five and Haley Liebelt with four. Addison Bartz finished with threee points, whereas Aubrey Fryar and Ella Genelin ended the game with two points each and Amber Florczak with one point.

This was just the Hatchets second victory of the season, but will hopefully be a confidence booster into their match-up with Rhinelander Friday night to end the regular season as they look forward to the playoffs.

In Other News

Officials Release New Details on Officer-Involved Shooting in Oneida County

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Officials have provided additional information regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Oneida County last month. The incident happened on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM at a home located at 5620 Lumen Lake Drive in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to an update from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Alyssa Knabenbauer and Deputy Justin Orth initially went to the residence to arrest 76-year-old John Krga on charges of first-degree sexual assault of a child and repeated acts of sexual assault to the same child. The Sheriff's Office said that during the arrest, Krga produced and discharged a firearm. Deputy Orth responded by firing his weapon, striking Krga. Deputy Knabenbauer did not discharge her firearm. Krga was pronounced dead at the scene. The Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News While we may enjoy the fireworks displays, our four-legged friends generally do not. Statistics show that more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. Many of these cases involve dogs that run off because they are frightened by the loud noises. The Lincoln County Humane Society shared some essential tips ahead of the holiday to ensure your pet stays safe and doesn't end up at the shelter over the next few days. First, before the action picks up, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag containing up-to-date information. Vacationers and seasonal residents should consider picking up an extra tag to write down their current Northwoods contact details. Ahead of the celebration, it is highly recommended to take your pup for a long walk to tire them out before the noise begins. Once the fireworks start, your dog will be most comfortable at home in a safe, familiar environment. To make the space more accommodating, close your windows and lower the blinds. A TV, radio, or fan can also provide comforting background noise. Finally, ensure your pup has plenty of food, fresh water and their favorite toys to keep them occupied and distracted.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News As Northwoods lakes fill with boaters this Fourth of July weekend, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding everyone about the importance of life jackets—and ensuring they fit properly. Wisconsin law requires every boat to carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person on board. While sizing labels typically categorize jackets by age group such as infant, child, youth, and adult; officials emphasize that life jackets should always be selected based on the wearer's actual weight. To ensure a safe and proper fit, keep the following checklist in mind before launching:Inspect the Straps: Fasten all buckles, zippers, and straps. The jacket should feel snug but comfortable.Test the Lift: Lift by the shoulders of the life jacket. If the jacket slips up past the chin or ears, it is too big and needs to be tightened or sized down.The Health Department also reminds boaters that the best life jacket is the one you will actually wear. Some styles, like certain low-profile inflatables, are not designed for weak swimmers or non-swimmers, making it critical to read the performance label before heading out on the water. With thousands expected to enjoy Northwoods lakes this holiday weekend, officials say wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the simplest ways to ensure everyone returns home safely.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News After answering emergency calls for four decades, one familiar face is saying goodbye to emergency medicine in the Northwoods. Paramedic Dan Halverson is retiring July 4 from Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Aspirus MedEvac 91 after a 40-year career in EMS. Halverson estimates he has responded to more than 10,000 ambulance calls, started over 5,000 IVs, and even helped deliver three babies. Halverson's path into EMS began unexpectedly. While working in the auto parts industry, he volunteered as a practice patient for local EMT classes. The experience sparked a curiosity that quickly turned into a lifelong career. Halverson said, "One thing led to another, and I found a job I truly loved." Aspirus Director of Nursing Julie Williams says Halverson's experience, compassion, and commitment have made a difference for countless patients while helping shape the careers of many younger EMS professionals. Known for his sense of humor and his famous "People Catcher's Club." That's the display of fishing hooks he safely removed from patients over the years. Halverson says what he will miss most is the people. Along the way, he notes that the most important part of the job was building meaningful relationships with patients and their families. In retirement, he plans to spend more time traveling, camping, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Residents and visitors to Merrill will hear a familiar sound from the city's past. As part of Fourth of July and America 250 celebrations, participating churches throughout Merrill are planning to ring their bells for two-and-a-half minutes. This actually revives a tradition that took place 50 years ago. In 1976, churches across the community rang their bells to mark the start of Merrill's Independence Day celebration during the nation's Bicentennial. Now, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, the City of Merrill is bringing the tradition back as a tribute to both the country's independence and the community spirit that has long been part of the holiday. City officials are inviting residents to pause wherever they are at 1 p.m., listen for the church bells, and take a moment to reflect on the freedoms Americans enjoy and the shared history that continues to bring the community together.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Earlier this week, authorities reminded boaters to stay sober during Operation Dry Water. Now, the Wisconsin DNR is delivering the same message to ATV and UTV riders heading into the busy Fourth of July weekend. The DNR expects heavy trail traffic across the state as communities celebrate the nation's 250th birthday and is urging riders to designate a sober driver before hitting the trails. So far this year, 23 people have died in ATV and UTV crashes, with alcohol and excessive speed among the leading causes. Officials say making responsible choices can help ensure the holiday weekend is remembered for celebration, not tragedy. The DNR also reminds riders to wear helmets and seat belts, obey speed limits and trail signs, and consider taking an ATV safety course.

Published on 07/02/2026 under News While the planned military jet flyover at Saturday's Tomahawk Powwow Days parade will be over in the blink of an eye, the spectacle itself took months of effort to secure. The Wisconsin Air National Guard's F-35 Lightning II flyover is the result of tireless work led by Tomahawk Main Street volunteer Mary Smith. She stopped by the WJJQ studios this week to share some of the behind-the-scenes details. It all started when Smith witnessed a flyover at the Rhinelander parade last year and asked herself, "Why can't Tomahawk?" Then she got to work. Her first challenge was finding the right contacts, which involved reaching out to organizers in Rhinelander and navigating several dead ends. Once connected, she faced multiple rounds of rigorous paperwork detailing everything from the exact parade route to Tomahawk's elevation before the military would even consider the request. Smith described, "many, many months of work" and "a lot of hoops to jump through." Her persistence finally paid off when she received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Griswold of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, confirming that Tomahawk had been approved. Smith even worked closely with military officials to ensure the flight path would directly follow Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk's Main Street, where the largest crowds for the parade attend. The flyover will have an even deeper meaning for the Tomahawk community. Smith, a retired teacher herself, shared that the flyover will serve as a tribute to long-time Tomahawk High School guidance counselor and veteran Dan Reiter, who passed away unexpectedly last year. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz praised Smith for her fierce determination. "Mary goes above and beyond in everything she does," Turkiewicz said. "Her heart is so full for this community." For Smith, seeing the fighter jet soar over downtown Tomahawk will be about much more than just an exciting spectacle. "I just feel so proud that we're getting this," she said. "It's something our community will remember for a long time." The flyover is scheduled toward the start of the Powwow Days parade, which gets underway at 1:00 PM this Saturday. The flight path will take the jet over several other Northwoods community celebrations, including Rhinelander and Minocqua.

Published on 07/02/2026 under News If you have a favorite family recipe that always gets rave reviews at the dinner table, Kinship of Tomahawk wants to feature it in a brand-new project for a great cause. The local youth mentoring organization is collecting submissions for a community cookbook. Once published, the cookbook will be sold as a fundraiser, with all proceeds directly benefiting Kinship of Tomahawk and the area children served by its vital programs. Michelle Arnott, who is helping spearhead the project, and shared some of details. Whether it's a go-to family dinner, a favorite snack, a decadent dessert, or a signature drink, they want to see it. Kinship is inviting local youth, families, mentors, and the broader Northwoods community to share the dishes that bring their own families together. The upcoming cookbook is designed to celebrate local culinary traditions while raising critical funds for Kinship's ongoing mission. For years, the organization has provided a lifeline of support for area youth through one-to-one mentorship, engaging after-school programming, and positive group outings that help local kids thrive. Organizers have set a recipe submission deadline of Wednesday, July 15th. Recipes can be emailed to michelleann.arnott@gmail.com.

Published on 07/02/2026 under News Beyond the Fourth of July festivities, the Town of Boulder Junction and area disc golf enthusiasts have another major reason to celebrate this holiday weekend. While the new Tall Pines Disc Golf Course has been quietly open to the public this spring, the community is hosting an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony this Sunday morning. The new course was a true community effort—designed by local disc golf players, constructed by dedicated volunteers, and funded entirely through local donations. Among those volunteers is Pete Burditt, who noted that from the very beginning, the project was focused on creating a recreational space that both year-round residents and seasonal visitors could enjoy for years to come. True to its name, Tall Pines beautifully showcases the scenic Northwoods, with fairways carved through mature forested areas. The course layout was designed to be welcoming for players of all ages and skill levels, from first-timers trying the sport to experienced enthusiasts. Like most disc golf courses, Tall Pines is free to play and open to the public daily, outside of occasional leagues and tournament events. The course is part of a much larger, ongoing effort in Boulder Junction to not only enhance quality of life for locals, but also to further establish the community as a premier outdoor recreation destination. Other recent park upgrades have included a new all-inclusive playground, basketball court renovations, and the award-winning "Glide" ice-skating loop during the winter months. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees are encouraged to walk the course, meet the volunteers who helped make the project possible, and enjoy a round of disc golf. If you would like to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting, it is scheduled for this Sunday at 10:30 AM at the course.

Published on 07/02/2026 under News With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, local boat landings are getting busy. To prevent long lines and short tempers, officials are offering a few practical tips to help the launch process go smoothly and quickly for everyone. First and foremost: use the staging area. Before you begin backing your trailer down the ramp, get your boat completely ready to go while parked in the lot. This is the time to remove straps and covers, put the plug in, and load up all your gear, coolers, and life jackets. Preparing in the lot keeps the ramp clear for active launching and loading. It's also a good time to double-check your mirrors. If you have a passenger, having a second person act as a spotter can be a massive help. Spotters should remember to offer instructions calmly and clearly, using distinct hand gestures that the driver can easily see in the mirrors. For the drivers, focus on making small corrections on the steering wheel and take your time. While you might feel the pressure to move quickly, rushing can lead to mistakes that ultimately make the process take longer. Most importantly, remember that everyone's trailer skills and experience levels are different. Whether you are a brand-new boater or a seasoned pro, everyone at the landing has the exact same goal: to get out and enjoy the water. A little patience, kindness, and a few encouraging words can go a long way in putting everyone at ease during a hectic holiday weekend.

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