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Hatchet Boys Cross Country Team Wins GNC Title; Girls Second Published on 10/16/2020 under Sports

On Thursday Tomahawk hosted the Great Northern Conference Cross-Country Championships. The boys successfully defended their Conference title placing five runners in the top ten and all the Hatchets on the All-Conference squad. The girls closed the gap on a strong Medford team by placing all five scorers on the All-Conference squad and finishing within 14 points of the 4-time conference champions. Both Hatchet JV squads started the evening off with conference wins as well.

Earning All-Conference medalist honors for the Hatchets were: Noah Buckwalter, Drew Bolder, Alex Norman, Arden Ziert, Owen Dickrell, Hunter Borchardt, Rachael Reilly, Kate Reilly, Macey Mann, and Morgan Hansmann.

Earning Honorable Mention status were: Ethan Liebnitz and Greta Tjugum.

Noah and Rachael earned All-Conference 1st Team status as they both placed 2nd overall in their respective races with P.R. efforts (Noah-16:44/Rachael-19:59). Drew (4th-17:24) and Alex (7th-17:50-PR) also earned 1st Team status with their top 7 finishes.

Kate Reilly (9th-20:55), Arden Ziert (9th-18:10),Owen Dickrell (10th-18:10), Macey Mann (11th-21:07), Morgan Hansmann (12th-21:15-PR) and Hunter Borchardt (14th-18:47) earned 2nd Team All-Conference status by virtue of their placements in theirrespective races at the GNC event.

Rounding out the All-Conference Honorable Mention squad for Tomahawk were: Greta Tjugum (18th-21:42), and Ethan Liebnitz (20th-19:01).

Other Hatchet varsity finishers were: Emily Lacina (23rd), Ava Dragosh (30th), and Geena Wanta (32nd).

Varsity results: BV-THS-32, Lake-63, Med-93, NPHS-109, Rhine-112, Ant-119, Mos-163

GV-Med-38, THS-52, Lake-69, Mos-87, Rhine-115, Ant-166, NPHS-203

Freshman Presley Gutbrod topped the field in the opening GNC event of the day as he won the Boys JV title, taking the lead at 2000 meters and never looking back. Presley covered the 5K course in a time of 19:16. Helping propel the Boys JV to their 3rd straight JV title were: Hunter VanRyen (2nd), Brett Borchardt (4th), Jacob Towle (5th), and John Mark Hawley-10th.

The champion girls JV squad was led by Serena Reinke as she won the 5K event in a time of 22:59. She was followed closely by Tiana Gerstenberger in a PR time of 23:11 for 2nd and Kambyl Mattke 4th with a 23:30 PR effort. Other Tomahawk girls JV placers were: Autumn Peissig-6th and Robin Schmidt-15th.

JV results: BJV-THS-15, Lake-INC, Mos-Inc, Med-Inc

GJV-THS-27, Rhine-41, Mos-52, Med-Inc, Lake-Inc, Ant-Inc

Next race for the Hatchets is on Tuesday as Tomahawk travels to Oconto Falls to compete in the 9-team Sub-sectional meet. The top two teams will advance to the WIAA Division 2 Northeastern Wisconsin Sectional race hosted at Tomahawk on Saturday, October 24th. The meet gets underway at 11:00 a.m. The top 2 teams and the top five non-qualifying team members advance to the state meet the following
weekend in Wisconsin Rapids.

In Other News

Hatchet Track & Field Teams Open Season at Northland Pines

Published on 03/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Track & Field Squads had a productive first indoor meet in Eagle River at the Northland Pines Fieldhouse Thursday. For the girls, Tomahawk had five total first-place finishes in the Eagle Indoor Invite. For the girls, Elise Gibeault returned to the track with a top finish in the 400 meters. Freshman Charlee Lund finished first in the 3200 meters. Ellie Micke placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4'10". Siennah Caulkins took the top spot in the Triple Jump, finishing with a hop of 31'9". The lone top relay finish for the girls came from Gibeault, Micke, Lauren Reibe, and Aliyah Nelson in the 4x400 relay. For the boys, Beau Stromberg placed first in the high jump at 5'8". The senior also placed second in the triple jump at 37'4.5". Michael Samundsen had a personal best in the Shot Put, placing second at 43'8.25". Freshman Connor Zorn placed second in the 400 meters with a time of 59.74 seconds. The next indoor invite for Tomahawk is Saturday in the T-Bird Fieldhouse at Lakeland. Events begin at 9:00. Track and Field Top Finishers: Hatchet Boys: Connor Zorn 2nd in 400 Meters Michael Samundsen – 2nd in Shot Put – 43'8.25" Ethan Gibeault – 4th in Shout Put – 38'9.75" Beau Stromberg – T-1st in High Jump – 5'8" Beau Stromberg – 2nd in Triple Jump – 37'4.5" Hatchet Girls: Alicia Voermans – 3rd in 55 Meters – 7.87s Faith Derleth – 3rd in 200 Meters – 28.9s Elise Gibeault – 1st in 400 Meters – 1:01.24 Lydia Shaney – 5th in 800 Meters – 2:56.66 Chrlee Lund – 1st in 3200 Meters – 12:16.02 Kailynn Hanse – 2nd in 3200 Meters – 16:46.69 Aliyah Nelson – 3rd in 200 Meter Hurdles – 34.66s Voermans, Nelson, Ellie Micke, and Lauren Reibe – 2nd in 4x200 Relay – 1:57.90 Gibeault, Micke, Riebe, Nelson – 1st in 4x400 Relay – 4:42.88 Shaney, Lund, Abbie Rosenmeier, and Norah Mann – 2nd in 4x800 Relay – 11:18.76 Shelby Borowski – 2nd in Shot Put – 30' Abbigail Doleshal – 4th in Shot Put – 28'6" Ellie Micke – 1st in High Jump – 4'10" Reagan Gorell – 4th in High Jump – 4'4" Siennah Caulkins – 5th in High Jump – 4'4" Alicia Voermans – 3rd in Pole Vault – 10' Elizabeth Arnott – T-4th in Pole Vault – 8' Faith Derleth – 4th in Long Jump – 13'9" Siennah Caulkins – 1st in Triple Jump – 31'9"

Published on 03/26/2026 under News Starting a small business in the Northwoods might soon come with a little more expertise and assistance. Several Northwoods organizations are among the recipients of state funding aimed at supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded nearly two million dollars through its inaugural Small Business Technical Assistance grant program. The funding is designed to help entrepreneurs access resources like training, mentorship, and financial guidance. In the Northwoods, three economic development groups are receiving a share of that funding. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation has been awarded just under seventeen thousand dollars to launch the county's first comprehensive small business assistance program. The initiative will provide free, personalized support for entrepreneurs, along with networking opportunities and an online resource hub. The Oneida County Economic Development Corporation is receiving more than twenty-eight thousand dollars. Their program will focus on helping rural and under-served entrepreneurs overcome barriers to starting and growing a business through mentorship and improved access to financing tools. And the largest Northwoods award is going to the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation, which will receive sixty-six thousand dollars. That funding will expand consulting services, create new mentorship opportunities, and offer additional training and workshops for small business owners. Overall 20 grants were awarded. State officials say the program is expected to support more than two thousand entrepreneurs and small businesses statewide, helping strengthen local economies.

Published on 03/26/2026 under News Some well-earned recognition this week for Northwoods law enforcement, following a rescue that brought multiple agencies together for a standoff two years ago. The Special Response Teams from Lincoln, Langlade, Oneida and Marathon Counties were named Co-SWAT Teams of the Year at the Wisconsin Association of SWAT Personnel's annual conference. The honor reflects not only bravery in the moment, but the ongoing training and cooperation that make successful outcomes possible. The award stems from an incident response in Antigo back in June of 2023 when a suspect barricaded himself inside a home during a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, the tactical teams were able to safely evacuate two children. The suspect remained in the home for nearly eight hours before the standoff ended peacefully with the man in custody. With the case now closed, the teams' actions are being formally recognized. Officials say the operation highlighted the importance of teamwork and coordination across county lines, with all four agencies working seamlessly together under intense pressure.

Published on 03/26/2026 under News Snowmobile opportunities are dwindling for the season, with only a handful of trail systems remaining open along the UP border. The Vilas County trails were among the first to open back on December 19, and now are among the last to close. A partial closure has been announced for Vilas County trails in the southern 2/3 of the county as of Thursday morning. (Trails in Arbor Vitae, Conover, Eagle River, Lac Du Flambeau, Manitowish Waters, Phelps, and St. Germain.) That leaves riding opportunities limited to Boulder Junction, Land O'Lakes, Presque Isle, and Sayner trail systems. Trail users are reminded that they may encounter gated sections where systems are closed and are asked to only travel on open trails. All snowmobile trails in Wisconsin close on March 31st.

Published on 03/26/2026 under News Health experts are reminding people that feeling fine doesn't always mean they're healthy. Providers with Aspirus Health say many serious conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers,can develop without noticeable symptoms, making routine screenings critical. Nurse practitioner Brooke Rocque with Aspirus Family Medicine says annual wellness visits play a key role in catching problems early. Rocque says many patients delay care because they don't feel sick, but by the time symptoms appear, conditions may have already progressed and require more intensive treatment. She adds that screenings for colon cancer and breast cancer are among the most commonly postponed, often due to time constraints or discomfort. Health officials say preventive care helps shift the focus from treating illness to staying ahead of it. They recommend starting with a yearly wellness visit, where providers can assess personal risk factors and develop a plan for long-term health. Patients are encouraged to talk with their primary care provider about which screenings are appropriate for them based on age, history, and risk factors.

Published on 03/26/2026 under News The state's winter power disconnection moratorium comes to a close in three weeks, and officials are encouraging residents behind on payments to begin making arrangements on any outstanding bills. The state law prevents utilities from disconnecting residential power between November and April. The moratorium is put in place to protect families during the state's coldest months by keeping their power on. The end of the moratorium is coming up on April 15th. Those behind on their bills are encouraged to contact their utility provider. They note most utilities will work with customers to establish a flexible payment plan that will ensure continued service. There are some assistance programs around the state that can help customers including the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program.

Published on 03/26/2026 under News A Rhinelander High School organization is calling on fellow hodags to roll up their sleeves. The Rhinelander High School Key Club is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a vital community blood drive this morning. This drive comes at a crucial moment for our state. Following recent winter storms that swept through Wisconsin, over 30 blood drives were forced to cancel. That resulted in more than 1,000 missed donations. The students are hoping to help fill that gap with a little help from the community. The doors are open from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm today at the high school. Walk-ins are welcome or you can schedule an appointment on the Red Cross website with the sponsor code Hodags.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News Today is National Medal of Honor Day, and each year the observance has special meaning here in Tomahawk. The Medal of Honor is awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. Highly exclusive, just 3,500 Americans have received the Medal of Honor, just 64 Wisconsinites. On that list is the late Einar Ingman of Tomahawk. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a result of his actions in Korea on February 26, 1951. Ingman took charge of two squads after their leaders were wounded. He then single-handedly took out two machine gun emplacements, while suffering numerous injuries. He was later awarded with several of the country's highest honors including the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. Einar passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in the Tomahawk Community. Einar Ingman Parkway leads motorists into the Tomahawk community, the VFW shares his name, and most recently the Post Office was named in his honor in 2021. The Tomahawk VFW and Auxiliary are hosting a small ceremony to honor Ingman Thursday morning at 10am at Veteran's Memorial Park. Another Medal of Honor recipient with Northwoods ties is Oscar Peterson, who was born in Prentice and went on to serve in World War II. He died in action in the Philippine islands and was awarded a posthumous award.

Published on 03/25/2026 under News A growing effort to support and connect seniors across Lincoln County is taking shape with an opportunity to learn more this weekend. The Northwoods Senior Empowerment Project is hosting a community breakfast Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Merrill Eagles Club. Organizer Eileen Guthrie says the group formed out of earlier advocacy efforts tied to People for Pine Crest, and has since expanded by connecting with residents and organizers facing similar concerns. Guthrie says those conversations revealed a range of issues impacting seniors across the Northwoods including access to healthcare, affordable housing, and transportation. She says transportation, in particular, continues to rise to the top, as many older adults give up driving but still need reliable ways to reach medical appointments in places like Wausau or Rhinelander. Saturday's event will begin with a light breakfast, followed by presentations from local and regional experts. Speakers include representatives from the Aging and Disability Resource Center, the Merrill Housing Authority, and a journalist who has spent the past year reporting on policy issues affecting seniors in Wisconsin. After the presentations, organizers plan to open the floor for discussion, giving attendees a chance to share their own experiences, identify gaps in services, and suggest possible solutions. Guthrie says the goal is not just conversation, but action—bringing people together to better advocate for senior needs at the local and county level. The event is free and open to seniors, caregivers, and family members, with a suggested one-dollar donation to the Merrill food pantry. Organizers say they hope the gathering is just the beginning of a broader, ongoing effort to improve quality of life for seniors throughout the region. They do ask the people RSVP for planning purposes. Call 715-921-2258 or 262-394-6649 or go to actionnetwork.org/events/northwoods-senior-breakfast

Published on 03/25/2026 under News One person was injured in a UTV accident in Oneida County Tuesday. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, responders were notified of a UTV on the edge of Lake Kaubashine in the Town of Hazelhurst. The initial call indicated the machine was still running, but no signs of the operator. Upon arrival, they located the operator trapped underneath the UTV. According to the report, medical personnel removed the individual from under the UTV and performed CPR. The individual was brought to a nearby hospital by ambulance and airlifted for further medical evaluation. No further update on the condition of the victim was provided. The release did not say what caused the operator to become pinned underneath the machine.

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