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Hatchet Cross Country Teams Host Alumni Scrimmage Published on 08/24/2020 under Sports

On Saturday the Tomahawk Hatchet Cross-Country team hosted their 19th annual Alumni Scrimmage at Bradley Park. The 2020 Hatchets "kicked off" the fall sports season against former alumni and local TARA (Tomahawk Area Runners Association) members at one of the Hatchets' first race sites in Bradley Park.

The top alumni finisher in the 5000 meter men's event was Connor Ahrens class of 2012 in a time of 18:11 as he placed 2nd. Other alumni finishers were: Justin Lund (class of'00-4th), Trey Miller ('20-6th), Kurt Reinke (TARA-13th), Bill Turgeon ('86-14th), Guy Kiser ('94-18th), Sean Dirkx ('19-19th), Reed Zedler ('20-20th), Matt Johnson ('20-21st), Jerett Flynn ('19-22nd), Coach Z (23rd), Pastor Mark Gass (TARA-24th), and Roger Martens (TARA).

Despite a heavy week of mileage, hard training, and a marathon relay on Wednesday the current Hatchets came ready to race and placed seven runners in the top ten, led by senior Drew Bolder's 18:07 championship effort. Placing in the top ten were: Noah Buckwalter
(3rd), Alex Norman (5th), freshman newcomer Owen Dickrell (7th), Hunter Borchardt (8th), Hunter VanRyen (9th), and Arden Ziert (10th). The remaining Hatchet finishers for the boys were: Ethan Liebnitz (11th), Presley Gutbrod (12th), Jacob Towle (15th), Brett

Borchardt (16th) and Taje Casey (17th). The top non-scoring Hatchet runners helped to inflate the "unofficial" alumni score to 39, while the locals finished "unofficially" with 24 points to claim their 5th straight victory over the alumni.

The alumni women were led by former Hatchet standout (class of 2020) and Universityof Minnesota, Duluth recruit Haley Voermans-Dean as she distanced her competition by over a minute covering the 5K distance in 20:38. Other alumni finishers were: Stephanie Welke ('13-4th), Rachael Miller ('12-7th), Talyn Jones ('15-12th) and Paula Norman (TARA-18th) rounded out the alumni finishers.

The 2020 lady Hatchets also placed seven finishers in the top ten and duplicated the tally of their counterparts winning "unofficially" 24-42. The high schoolers were led by two underclassmen, freshman newcomer Rachael Reilly and sophomore Greta Tjugum, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively in times of 21:41 and 21:47 for 5K. Teammates Emily Lacina (5th), Macey Mann (6th), Morgan Hansmann (8th), Serena Reinke (9th), and freshman newcomer Robin Schmidt (10th) rounded out the top 10. Helping keep the Hatchets streak of 14 straight victories intact were: Geena Wanta (11th), TianaGerstenberger (13th), Autumn Peissig (14th), Ava Dragosh (15th), and freshman newcomers Marie Gorell (16th) and Kambyl Mattke (17th).

The Hatchets "open" the season on Thursday at Ashland. Superior will be joining Tomahawk for the triangular meet. Meet gets underway at 10:30 am from Chequamegon Bay Golf Course on the west side of Ashland.

In Other News

Participants Preparing for Icy Swim with Return of the Tomahawk STAR Splash

Published on 01/02/2026 under News In a little more than 24 hours, some brave individuals here in Tomahawk will be taking a quick dip into the icy waters of Lake Mohawskin, and it's all for a good cause. The countdown is on for the 2025 edition of the Tomahawk STAR Splash. The STAR Splash supports the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, and Jackie Leonard stopped by the WJJQ studios early this week to talk about the organization and tomorrow's event. The STAR Foundation is a locally-run non-profit that supports Tomahawk area programs, projects and organizations. Leonard offered a few examples of the many major projects they've supported including the Dream Park, the Hatchet football field, the River Walk Trail, and the Kinship House. But they also help with smaller donations for non-profits and their operational needs. The STAR Splash is one of their two major fundraisers, along with Best Burger in Paradise. Participants have been busy collecting pledges to jump. The funds collected tomorrow will be split between the STAR Foundation and the non-profit of the jumper's choosing. Over they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the Tomahawk hockey team the top fundraiser for several consecutive years. Leonard says they've got some returning participants along with some new teams. Conditions have varied over the years from sub-zero temps to mild days with no ice on the lake. It is, of course, winter, but Leonard, a cold water plunge regular, notes that sun shine always makes a big difference. Participants will get a blanket to warm up and they've got bonfires and host Castaways nearby. For those that would like to support the cause but prefer to stay dry, they'll have other entertainment and activities on land including raffles and drawings. Castaways, formerly Happy Snapper, has been hosting the event for nearly two decades and will do so once again. Activities get underway at noon; the jumping at 2pm.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News While snow earlier this week was a welcome sight for snowmobilers eager to start the riding season, it's added plenty of extra work for the snowmobile clubs. The winter storm Sunday and Monday blanketed more than a half foot of wet, heavy snow across the Northwoods. That left plenty of hazards and debris on the snowmobile trail system including some downed trees as well as low hanging branches. The Northwoods Passage club put out a call for volunteers to help clear trails Friday and Saturday. The said, "The sooner we get the trails cleaned up the quicker we can get the groomers on them and bring them up to great condition." With approximately 275 miles of trails to get through, they added, "Many hands make light work." It also serves as an important reminder of the work that goes into the club-maintained trail system that Wisconsin uses, and for riders to get involved in their local snowmobile club. For those looking to help with the Northwoods Passage, they've got information on their Facebook Page.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News Yesterday we talked about setting New Year's resolutions and sticking to them. And experts say it can be a good idea to get kids get involved in New Year's resolutions as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that these goals can build healthy habits, confidence, and resilience for children. Dr Heather Winesett, a pediatrician at Aspirus echoed those thoughts adding, "It's a great time to reflect on where they've been and where they'd like to go." Winesett recommends setting one or two small, realistic goals with youth. A few suggestions she offered include reading goals, keeping up on chores, limiting screen time or weekly family time. Winesett noted it should be light and fun because it's all about progress, not perfection. She says by keeping goals small, realistic, and fun, families can turn the New Year into a chance to grow together.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News With plenty of snow across Wisconsin, the state's tourism department has launched their snow report for the season. The snow report offers updated snow conditions and other relevant information for winter sports of all types including snowmobiling. To gather the information, they use an impressive roster of more than 100 local snow reporters across all 72 counties. This includes Chambers and Visitor's Bureaus, snowmobile clubs, and state and county park staffers. In addition to trail conditions and snow cover, the report also provides ideas and resources for winter activities and nearby accommodations. As the report grows in popularity the Travel Wisconsin also continues to expand the information available. They now include sorting filters for silent sports activities like snowshoeing, fat-tire bikes, and cross country and downhill skiing. You can find the snow report on the Travel Wisconsin website, we'll include a link.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News For those who chose fitness as a New Year's resolution, the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander offering their annual Winter Walking Challenge, and it begins today. Those signing up have through the end of of February to complete their target distance goal. In order to accommodate those of all levels, walkers can choose goals of 25, 50, or 100 miles. Organizers note its simply a fun way to stay active when many people are cooped up inside. While the Hodag Dome offers a little bit of warmth amid the chilly Wisconsin winter, participants can log their miles in other locations including the outdoors. They're offering different prizes for participants including Hodag Dome pint glasses, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The Winter Walking Challenge runs through February 28. Those interested can learn more and register by stopping at the front desk at the Hodag Dome.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News While we have had a good bit of snow in recent weeks, chilly temperatures are needed for the return of a popular tourist attraction up in Eagle River. The Eagle River Ice Castle tradition dates all the way back to the 1930's. When conditions allow, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build a massive castle out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. In a typical year, around 2,500 of these frozen bricks are are hand placed into the castle walls. The Eagle River Fire Department provided another update on the ice thickness on Silver Lake earlier this week. They found approximately 10 inches of ice thickness, but they need around 14 inches for the castle to happen. Unfortunately, the slush and snow atop the ice makes it difficult to remove the insulating snow to speed up the ice-making process. According to the update, the build team will reevaluate next week to make a decision. The build has been sporadic in recent years due to varying ice conditions. They were able to build an ice castle in 2025.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News Volunteers continue to play a key role in the development of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and those crews were busy in 2025. The Ice Age Trail spans an impressive 1,200 miles including a stretch through Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon Counties. That takes a lot of work to help develop and maintain the attraction, with much of the manpower provided by volunteers. In their year-end wrap up, the Ice Age Trail Alliance provided a summary. They received a helping hand from 940 volunteers, who logged more than 25,000 service hours. According to the organization, they completed ten organized trail building events. Trail program manager Dave Caliebe said, "Long-contemplated projects finally became reality." Back in June, they had two, multi-day volunteer opportunities in Langlade County which helped open a brand-new trail segment: Antigo Heights. Other projects around the state included trail work, kiosks, bridges, boardwalks, along with invasive species control and native plant seed collection.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News We're in the giving season, and Northwoods food pantries will benefit from donations from Park City Credit Union. Ahead of the Christmas holiday, Park City Cares Foundation divvied up $4,000 to five area food pantries serving Tomahawk, Nokomis, Rhinelander, Lakeland and Merrill. The donations will allow these food pantries to restock their shelves following the holidays and at a time when they've seen a steady increase in use. Melissa Wrycha, President of the Park City Cares Foundation, said, "...we believe in standing alongside our neighbors during times of need. Supporting these essential resources is at the heart of our mission to strengthen and uplift the communities we serve." Monetary donations provide pantries with the flexibility to purchase items that fit the needs of their community. Park City also made a donation to these pantries ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has been exploring a PFAs treatment facility. As part of the planning process, the city, working with MSA Professional Services, solicited bids for geotechnical exploration and engineering work. At their meeting Tuesday evening, the Board of Public Works recommended a service contract. The work which includes four borings of varying depths; an assessment of existing conditions and recommendations for utility construction, foundation design, and best practices. The City received two bids, which came within $5 of each other. The Board recommended the lower bid with American Engineering Testing Inc. out of Wausau for $7,280. The item is back on the agenda for next week's City Council meeting. Back in the fall of 2023, routing testing for PFAs in the Tomahawk water system came back elevated. The proposed treatment facility would filter these forever chemicals from the water. The price tag is approximately $6.2 million, and the city is pursing funding through the state Clean Drinking Water program.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The Lights of the Northwoods in Rhinelander has quickly become a holiday tradition. While initially an event around the Christmas holiday, it's now a month-long spectacle. And organizers also welcome in the New Year with a bang. The annual celebration concludes this evening with a special New Year's Day fireworks show. Throughout December, Hodag Park has been decorated with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights and displays. Visitors can either drive or walk through the park to take in the festive atmosphere. They've also been busy supporting local food pantries and community organizations via donations. There is one last chance to check out the lights with a shortened path today. That's to accommodate the fireworks which are scheduled to begin at 7pm. They do recommend arriving early so that everyone can get parked and settled in before the show begins.

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