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Hatchet Cross Country Teams Finish Their Seasons at State Meet Published on 11/02/2020 under Sports

On a windy Saturday the Hatchet Cross-Country team finished their season at the State Division 2 Championships at Colby High School in the second session of the day on their school grounds. The girls won their grouping of four teams and improved upon last year's finish as they placed 8th of 12 teams while senior Noah Buckwalter, an individual qualifier for the Hatchet boys also improved (some 20 places) with his 45

th place in the 114-runner D2 state field.

In the first race of session two, Tomahawk freshman Rachael Reilly put herself in a nice position early and worked her way into a top ten finish (9th) in her session and placed 27th overall (13th in the team scoring) in a time of 20:30 over the 5000 meter course. Sophomore Greta Tjugum ran strong through her entire race placing 13th in session two 43rd overall (24th in the team scoring) in 21:08. Junior Kate Reilly was the next Hatchet to the finish tape with her 19th place effort in session two, (62nd overall/36th in the team scoring) in a time of 21:40. Sophomore Morgan Hansmann and junior Emily Lacina were the final scoring Hatchets placing 22nd and 23rd in session two (73rd and 75th overall & 45th and 47th in the team scoring) in times of 22:08 and 22:10 respectively. Junior Macey Mann became an important displacer as

she finished 25th in session 2 (85th overall and 56th in the team scoring) in a time of 22:25. Also, getting great state-level experience in her first state championship race was junior Ava Dragosh (110th overall, 80th team)-23:47.

This was the lady Hatchets second consecutive trip to State and 17th team appearance since 1993.

The Tomahawk boys were represented at State by senior Noah Buckwalter. In his final Cross-Country race as a Hatchet, Noah was in the top ten in session two early on and sat 14th after two miles. His 17:45 clocking was good for a 15th place finish in session two
and 45th place overall in the 114-runner field.

In Other News

Hatchet Boys Basketball Team Loses at Merrill

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' basketball squad was trounced in a Great Northern Conference match-up with Merrill Friday night, losing 82-23. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-16 on the season and 0-10 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Monday night for a non-conference showdown with Northland Lutheran in Kronenwetter. Tip-off is at 7:00.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet male swimmers would finish third in the GNC Meet at the Thunderbird Pool in Minocqua Friday night. Tomahawk would finish behind Shawano/Seymour and Rhinelander in the meet. Bruce Peetz was the top Hatchet finisher across two different events. Peetz would place second in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles. GNC Boys Swimming Standings This concludes the Hatchet Swim Regular Season. The WIAA Division 2 Boys Swim Sectionals are in Rice Lake next Saturday.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News A pair of Tomahawk students recently took a trip to the state capitol as part of a student organization. Tomahawk seniors Emma Hoff and Siennah Calkins from Tomahawk Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America participated in the Wisconsin FCCLA Capitol Leadership Conference in Madison. The event brought together youth leaders from across the state for hands-on training in communication, civic engagement, and leadership development. During their visit, the duo had an opportunity to speak with Governor Tony Evers, along with the staff from the offices of Senator Mary Felzkowski, Senator Rob Hutton, and Representative Calvin Callahan. During the Wisconsin FCCLA Capitol Leadership Conference, students gained experience in: Professional Communication & Leadership, Message Development Skills, and Civic Engagement & Relationship Building. Hoff said, "This experience and the knowledge that I gained from the conference helped me strengthen my leadership skills and make new connections. The conference made me feel more confident when speaking with adults and sharing why FCCLA matters in my life. I learned that student leaders can make a real difference when we share our stories." They plan to bring their new skills back to Tomahawk, continuing their community involvement and promoting FCCLA through upcoming competitions, Tomahawk Showcase Night, and the High School FCCLA Blood Drive.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News A Minocqua man convicted on federal charges connected to an investment scheme will serve more than six years in prison. Back in November, Cory Kromray pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Investigators said that Kromray used social media to entice investors by falsely portraying himself as a successful trader in stocks, crypto and foreign currency markets. This included posting pictures of lavish vacations, luxury items, and exotic sports cars. Instead of investing money as promised, they said Kromray often used investor money to pay his personal expenses. He also provided some investors with false information about the success of their investments. At the sentencing hearing, Judge William Conley stated that Kromray's investment fraud scheme was "the worst kind of fraud that can be committed," because he took money from his close friends and lied to them about investing it. He ordered Kromray serve 6 years and 8 months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $828,000 in restitution.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The Olympics are in full swing, offering a variety of sports including hockey, skiing, and snowboarding. For those inspired to get out and try there own gold-medal skills, it's important to be mindful of head injuries when participating in winter sports. Staff at Aspirus are reminding participants to take concussions seriously. A sport-appropriate helmet is a great start, but it's also important to understand the risks, recognize symptoms, and know what to do when a concussion is suspected. Dr. Joseph Benert is a sports medicine physician at Aspirus. He explained, "When an impact or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull, that's considered a concussion." Dr. Benert offered a few quick tips when it comes to concussions. If you hit your head, take a timeout. He notes that symptoms don't always appear right away, and that can make it hard to know whether a concussion occurred or how serious it might be. Benert also notes that symptoms can be subtle. This may include: headaches, dizziness, confusion, slowed thinking, and vision issues Recovery takes time, and it's also important to communicate with others throughout. Benert says, "Winter sports can be a fun and active way to enjoy the season, as long as safety is a priority. Taking the right precautions doesn't take away the fun."

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The DNR is bringing back a program that provides local libraries with day passes for entrance to state park properties. The Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program launched in 2022 with around two dozen libraries. It has since grown to more than 200 locations including the Tomahawk Public Library and the TB Scott Free Library in Merrill. With the initiative entering a firth year, the DNR continues to expand the scope. Not only can library cardholders check out a day pass, they may also receive an informational kit featuring state park system materials and maps, stickers, and other activities. Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section supervisor, "There's always something new to discover when you explore Wisconsin's state parks," said. "We offer events, programs, guided hikes, skill-building opportunities and gear-loaner programs to help you make the most of your visit." Library Patrons can contact their local library to inquire about these passes, or encourage their library to join the program.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The popularity of utility terrain vehicles or UTV's has exploded here in the Northwoods. As the machines evolve, so too must the rules. A new law, authored by state senator Mary Felzkowski reflects some changes to these machines. Wisconsin Act 83 raises the weight limit for a vehicle to be considered a UTV without fluids to 3,500 pounds. UTVs have been increasing in weight as manufacturers added additional technological and safety innovations. Felzkowski said, "As UTVs continue to be a driving force in Wisconsin's tourism industry, it's important that government does not hinder this growth and inadvertently divert tourism dollars to other states. After the bipartisan bill was signed into law, Felzkowski added, "This is a commonsense change, and I'm glad that all parties involved recognized the need for the legislation."

Published on 02/06/2026 under News Earlier this week, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office recognized a Tomahawk man for previous life-saving actions. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Mason Webster was presented with a Sheriff's Recognition Award for commendable courage and selfless action. The honor is based on Webster's actions on December 22, 2023 after another man fell through the ice on the Spirit Flowage. They wrote:"Fully aware of the extreme danger posed by the unstable ice and frigid water, Mason did not hesitate to act. He located the individual, contacted 911, and placed himself at significant personal risk by entering the hazardous environment and physically supporting the man above the water and ice for approximately 38 minutes until emergency responders were able to safely remove him." They credited Webster with changing the outcome of the situation, saying "Mason's willingness to risk his own safety to save another reflects exceptional courage and brings great credit to himself." At a short ceremony at Tomahawk City Hall, Sheriff Ken Schneider presented Webster with the award.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News Students in both Tomahawk and Merrill competed in a fun and friendly art competition while getting an education on the region's environment. The Lincoln County Conservation Program recently announced the winners of their annual poster contest. This year's theme was "Soil, Where It All Begins." This highlights the essential role soil plays in sustaining life and maintaining a healthy environment and economy. From helping crops grow in local fields to filtering water and providing nutrients for plants, soil is the foundation of Wisconsin's natural resources. The science and environmental topics are incorporated into the classroom curriculum to pair with the poster contest. In the end, it was a clean sweep for Tomahawk students with Logan Fishbeck, Finley Koppa, and Logan Winter claiming first, second, and third places respectively. Top 3 students will advance to a 9 county regional competition with a chance for state and national contests as well.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News With the calendar now turned to February, the Nicolet College Foundation has officially opened their scholarship application period. Foundation Executive Director Heather Schallock says they expect to award several hundred scholarships ranging in value from $250 to $10,000. She says, "Scholarships made available through the Nicolet College Foundation have supported countless students over the years. Our goal is to continue providing opportunities for current and future students to achieve their academic and personal dreams." Among recipients is recent Nicolet graduate Emma Edinger said, "I applied for scholarships every single semester. It helped me tremendously to have that weight lifted off me and pursue my studies fully. These scholarships are available for both new and continuing, part-time and full-time students enrolling at the college for the upcoming Fall 2026 term, as well as the Spring and Summer terms of 2027. The application period is open through March 2 and can be done online. If students need help with their application, Nicolet will host a 'scholarship workshop' on Tuesday, February 17. Students can stop by the Lakeside Center between 11am and 5:30pm.

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