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Clean Boats, Clean Waters Educates on Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Published on 07/03/2020 under News

To help keep our Northwoods lakes and rivers free of invasive species, this weekend and all summer long volunteers will be out educating boaters on aquatic hitchhikers.

The effort is part of a program known as Clean Boats, Clean Waters.

Erin McFarlane is the Statewide CBCW Educator with the University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Program. She says, "We know that the prevention guidance is effective at preventing the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals,"

Mc Farlane says "Taking a minute or two to remove all the plants, animals, mud and debris from your boat and trailer while draining water from the bilge and live well is all it takes to prevent a new invasive species from establishing in your favorite lake or river."

Over the past 15 years, the volunteers, clad in their blue Clean Boats shirts have been a familiar site at boat launches. This year, they'll be taking some added precautions due to Covid-19. That includes wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing while still educating the public. Unfortunately they're suspending their program giveaways that have included free free live well ice packs or wipe-down towels.

The DNR has more information on Clean Boats Clean Waters and aquatic invasive species prevention.

In Other News

Hatchet Boys Wrestling Team Wins GNC Match

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.

Published on 12/10/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' basketball squad suffered their third straight loss at the Hatchet House Tuesday night, losing to Tigerton, 79-40. The Hatchets were unable to overcome a dominating performance from Junior Center James Brady. Jerry Johnson led the way in scoring with 11 points for the Hatchets. Ryan Montag added ten. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Thursday for the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader @ Three Lakes. Tip will be at approximately 7:15.

Published on 12/09/2025 under News On Monday in Weston, Gov. Tony Evers signed "Bradyn's Law", creating a new crime of sexual extortion in Wisconsin. The new law, Assembly Bill 201, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 48: • Creates a new crime of sexual extortion; • Includes graduated penalties on offenses depending on the actor, the act, the victim's actions, or the victim's age; and • Modifies and expands the crime victim compensation program, including by adding a victim's suicide or attempted suicide to the list of acts that may be compensated by DOJ. "Bradyn's Law" was introduced in response to the tragic passing of Bradyn Bohn, a 15-year-old student from the Wausau Area who took his own life earlier this year as a result of a sexual extortion, or "sextortion," scheme. The FBI defines sextortion as a crime where offenders coerce minors to send explicit images, using them for extortion. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force noted a rise in sextortion-related tips, with 237 cybertips received in 2024, up from 176 in 2023. They also have resources for online safety on their website.

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