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Hatchet Boys Swimming Team Finishes Fifth at Sectionals Published on 02/01/2021 under Sports

The Tomahawk Hatchet boys Swimming Team competed in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Saturday at Rhinelander High School. Tomahawk finished in fifth place. Rhinelander won the meet and Menomonie was second.

Of the 13 individual event swims that the Hatchets competed in, 11 of them were either personal best or at the very least season best swim times, 1 was a re-broken school record, and 2 were overall 2nd place finishes with times solid enough to qualify for the WIAA State Swim Meet, next Friday Feb. 5, 2021 to be held at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium.

Of the 3 relays that the Hatchets competed in, all three registered considerable season time drops with a 3rd place finish for the Medley Relay and a pair of 5th's for the Freestyle Relay teams.

And as was said above most excitingly we aren't done yet! Next Friday, February 5th, (6:30 pm meet start) we'll have our individual State Meet Qualifier, Sophomore Zach Hanse to represent the Tomahawk Hatchets in both the 200 yard Individual Medley with a qualifying time of 2:09.46 as well as in the 100 yard Breaststroke, in which Zach broke his own school record of 1:03.21, down to a 1:02.66.

Scoring Points today for the Hatchets:
200 Medley Relay – Caleb Kretzschmar, Zach Hanse, Ethan Liebnitz and Adam Hall in 3rd for 32 points at 1:52.55

200 Freestyle – Caleb Kretzschmar in 9th place for 9 points at 2:05.74, Alex Norman in 10th place for 7 points at 2:13.26 and Cullen Flynn in 11th for 6 points at 2:17.78

200 Individual Medley – Zach Hanse in 2nd for 17 points and claiming a State Meet berth at 2:09.46, currently seeded 15th in the event

50 Freestyle – Adam Hall in 7th place for 12 points at :24.08

100 Freestyle – Ethan Liebnitz in 6th place for 13 points at :54.66, Alex Norman in 9th place for 9 points at :57.92

500 Freestyle – Caleb Kretzschmar in 6th for 13 points at 5:58.03, Taje Casey in 10th place for 7 points at 6:52.88

200 Freestyle Relay – Cullen Flynn, Taje Casey, Alex Norman and Ethan Liebnitz in 5th place for 28 points at 1:45.89

100 Backstroke – Cullen Flynn in 6th place for 13 points at 1:12.18

100 Breaststroke – Zach Hanse in 2nd for 17 points at 1:02.66 and also claiming his 2nd State Meet berth, currently seeded 9th in the event
Adam Hall in 4th for 15 points at 1:11.79

400 Freestyle Relay – Ethan Liebnitz, Caleb Kretzschmar, Adam Hall and Zach Hanse in 5th for 28 points at 3:45.97

The WIAA State Meet gets underway on Friday at 6:30 pm.

In Other News

Passenger Car Hits Lincoln County Snowplow

Published on 02/24/2026 under News On Friday, Lincoln County deputies were dispatched to an injury crash involving a Lincoln County Plow truck and a passenger car on US Highway 51 in the Town of Skanawan. Upon arrival, the deputies were advised that the plow truck being operated by a 34 year old man from Irma, WI was actively engaged in plowing operations heading northbound on US Highway 51 when the truck was struck in the rear by a passenger car being operated by a 56 year old man from Merrill, WI. Both the driver and passenger of the car reported injuries, and the driver of the plow truck reported back pain.

Published on 02/24/2026 under News Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect the entire family. Many people associate them with food or weight changes, but the impact often reaches beyond eating habits and into relationships, routines, and emotional well-being. "It's not just eating too much or eating too little," said Jessica Schiek, LPC, Behavioral Health Director at Aspirus Health. "It's a comprehensive mental health condition that affects behaviors, moods, physical health, and attitudes related to food." The early warning signs are not always physical. Families may notice changes in routines or social habits, and those shifts can feel confusing at first. Mood shifts or irritability may follow. Eating disorders also intersect with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use, which can make a loved one's behavior difficult for families to interpret and can strain communication at home. Schiek encourages families to seek professional guidance when something feels different rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. "Come at it with a supportive, caring approach," she said. "Set aside dedicated time in a private space and open up communication. It might not always be well received, but it can be a place to start." Treatment typically involves coordinated care from medical and mental health professionals. Families are often an important part of that process. Resources for caregivers and siblings are available through organizations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at nationaleatingdisorders.org. "The most important thing to know is that recovery is possible," Schiek said. "It might take time, and relapse can be part of recovery, but there is hope."

Published on 02/23/2026 under News On Saturday, the 8th annual Chili Cook-off was held at the Nokomis Fire Station. Celebrity judges from the area rated the chili from 1-10 in different categories. The cook-off helped raised money through various raffles featuring over 70 items. Some of the proceeds will go the Kinship of Tomahawk. The rest will be split between Northwoods Veterans, the Oneida County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the Nokomis Fire Department. The Aspirus MedEvac team took first place in the mild chili category and the Arbor Vitae Fire Department took first place in the hot chili category. Other winners include; Chairman's Choice Aspirus MedEvac, Best Presentation to Minocqua Fire Department and People's Choice to Arbor Vitae Fire Department. There we're a total of 12 chili contest entries.

Published on 02/23/2026 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital honored Francis Smazal, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of his commitment and patient-centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart. Smazal works in the Medical-Surgical Unit and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a grateful patient. Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award. The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

Published on 02/20/2026 under Sports On Thursday night, the Hatchet Hockey Team traveled to Hudson for a WIAA Regional Final game. The host Raiders are the #1 seed in Sectional One and also the top ranked division one team in Wisconsin. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead on Tomahawk, scoring six minutes into the game on an even strength goal. Then with 7:21 remaining in the first, Hudson scored another even strength goal to lead 2-0. The Raiders would add their third goal of the first, 00:22 later and led 3-0. The Hatchets would respond with their first goal of the game, with 5:51 left in the first, Jonah Dickens scored on a power play goal from the high slot. The Dickens goal was assisted by Brayden Lamer and Jake Albert. No more scoring would occur, and Hudson led Tomahawk 3-1 after one. The Raiders out-shot Tomahawk 21-5 in the first period and Hudson Seymour had numerous huge saves to keep Tomahawk in it. The second period would see two goals for each team, with Hudson scoring 00:47 in on a power play and led 4-1. Tomahawk would respond when Jake Albert hit Jett Reilly on a stretch pass, Reilly would bury the puck and the Hatchets cut the lead to 4-2. Hudson came back with an even strength goal a minute and a half later to regain a three goal advantage. Tomahawk would close out the scoring on a nifty goal from Cole Peterson with just 00:07 remaining. The Peterson goal was assisted by Beau Stromberg. The Raiders led 5-3 after two. The Raiders again out-shot Tomahawk 15-6. Tomahawk would come out firing in the third period, scoring just 00:15 in to cut the deficit to 5-4. Brayden Lamer with a snipe from the left face-off dot. Just over three minutes later, Jonah Dickens scored his second of the night and Tomahawk tied it at five apiece. The goal assisted by Jett Reilly. Dickens would complete his hat trick 3:30 later at the 7:04 mark of the third on a power play goal. That goal assisted by Lamer and Albert. Tomahawk scoring four unanswered goals to get a 6-5 lead with 9:54 remaining in the game. Hudson would respond with three unanswered goals to advance in the playoffs. The Raiders got a power play goal with just 2:26 remaining in the game to tie it 6-6. The Raiders took the lead, 7-6 00:57 later and would add an empty net goal with under 00:40 to play for the 8-6 win. Shots were even, 7-7 in the third. Jonah Dickens (three goals), Brayden Lamer (one goal, 2 assists) and Jake Albert (three assists) all had three points, Jett Reilly had two points (one goal, one assist), while Cole Peterson had a goal and Beau Stromberg had an assist. It was an exciting game as Tomahawk's season comes to an end with a 22-4 record. The Hatchets are champions of the Great Northern Conference for the third straight year finishing 10-0 in league play. Hudson advances to the sectionals and will host Superior on Tuesday. The Spartans defeated Eau Claire Memorial to advance. The Hatchets graduate from the program Jonah Dickens, Brody Hilgendorf, Rex Reilly, Beau Stromberg, Caiden Reichelt, Landyn Seymour, and Michael Samundsen (pictured above).

Published on 02/20/2026 under News A new grant program is being created in Langlade County to address substance abuse use through funds received from opioid lawsuit settlements. The Langlade County Opioid Taskforce is announcing a new funding opportunity to support local efforts aimed at preventing, reducing, and responding to the impacts of opioid use in their community. Funding priorities are based on community input. These priorities are outlined in the Community Impact Report. In announcing the program, the taskforce said, "We are committed to supporting initiatives that reflect the needs and voices of our community. This funding opportunity is designed to help local partners create meaningful, sustainable impact." Details about the funding opportunity, eligibility, and application materials can be found on the Langlade County Health Department website at: the deadline to apply is April 1st.

Published on 02/20/2026 under News A Northwoods grocer is being recognized by a national trade publication. Trig's was among 17 grocery retailers selected as Progressive Grocer's 2026 Outstanding Independents. In showcasing the winners, they note they all have 'two key things in common: a deep passion for and connection to the communities that they call home.' They said noted these factors help them compete in a world with multi-state chains. For Trig's specifically, they wrote, 'is more than a grocery store chain – its locations are the hubs of their local communities.' They mentioned local sourcing initiatives, Love it Local, efforts to introduce specialty products often unavailable in rural markets to create connections between people and food in meaningful ways. They also highlighted efforts for food donation partnerships and outreach to address food insecurity. Trig's was the only Wisconsin grocer to make the list.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News Discover Wisconsin is kicking off a new season of their popular show, and another Northwoods community will be the focus of the first episode. The 39th season of Discover Wisconsin premieres this weekend with an episode on Rhinelander. In the episode, titled Rhinelander-It's Legendary, hosts Andrea Boehlke and Eric Paulsen follow the trail of the hodag, the mythical beast that's become a symbol of the community's creativity and charm. The episode was a year in the making, showcasing all four season. It was done in partnership with the Rhinelander Chamber. And while the hodag is featured prominently, they also showcase local destinations, eateries, outdoor recreation and popular events such as the Hodag Country Festival and Lights of the Northwoods. The Rhinelander Chamber actually held a special screening of the episode earlier this month. It debuted on Discover Wisconsin YouTube channel Wednesday, and will air on Discover Wisconsin TV affiliates this weekend.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News While many students attending Nicolet College are preparing for careers, the school also offers courses and opportunities for learning, experience, and connection. Nicolet recently unveiled their new spring and summer arts and enrichment line up. They said the new season of classes, events and exhibits will inspire creativity, well-being and connection through a busy season at the theatre, gallery, and classroom or beyond. Starting in the Theater, they have two productions planned, Fahrenheit 451 and Cinderella. They also host concerts, author talks and artists. Speaking of the art, the Nicolet Gallery will have three exhibits including the 39th Northern National Art Competition. And inside and outside of the classroom, more than 30 courses are being offered in a wide range of creative and practical skills related to nature, cooking, health, and gardening. A few they highlighted include culinary ceramics, knife sharpening, fly fishing, yoga, and a loon paddle. Many of the classes are free, or a small fee to cover course materials. Those interested can visit the Nicolet website for more information.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News Law enforcement partners are looking to shed some light on safe driving. The Wisconsin State Patrol law of the month in February is focused on headlights...that they're being used in limited visibility conditions, and that they're working properly. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "When visibility is reduced, drivers have less time to react to others on the road. Headlights help everyone stay safe. Headlights not only helps a driver see what is ahead of their vehicle; it also allows other drivers to see your vehicle. State law requires driver use their headlights during hours of darkness as well as times when there is insufficient natural light to clearly see 500 feet. This includes fog, rain, or snow, when drivers may need to manually turn on lights, even if the vehicle is equipped with automatic lights. Carnahan also reminded drivers to make sure headlights are clean, checking for snow, ice, or other debris. According to the release, high beams help drivers see clearly in good weather conditions, but remember to always dim your lights within 500 feet of approaching or following another vehicle, even on a divided highway.

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