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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

Severe Weather and Tornado Awareness Week: Choosing a Safe Storm Location

Published on 04/15/2026 under News It's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, and part of the outreach is on preparedness. Local emergency management officials are encouraging every resident to take time to identify a safe and secure location to go when a tornado strikes, whether in your home, work, or school. The goal is to stay away from windows, doors, or outside walls. For most homes, a basement or cellar is best. If that isn't possible, select a small interior room on the ground or lowest level of your home/building. If you're outside when severe weather arrives, you're safest heading indoors. If that's not possible locate a low-lying, flat location and take cover there. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. It's also a good idea to go over these tips with your family. Once a location is identified, people are encouraged to share a #safeplaceselfie on social media. Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes each year. Last year, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 39 tornadoes in the state.

Published on 04/15/2026 under News The spring bird migration is well underway, and with it an annual observation and fundraising challenge returns. The 14th annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon kicks off today and will continue through June 15th. The effort is organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and participants includes local libraries, schools, bird organizations or individuals simply interested in our feathered friends. There are two parts to the Birdathon...First, they're encouraging people to break out binoculars to spot and record as many bird species as possible. Participants can search anywhere in the state, and organizers noted there are no shortage of birding opportunities and habitat here in the Northwoods. Last year, a record setting 620 birders across 91 teams participated, identifying 283 bird species. They're also encouraging participants to collect pledges in exchange for sightings. Last year they collected $127,000 for organizations and projects dedicated to bird related causes such as habitat improvement and protection. The Tomahawk Public Library is one of those groups that is participating. They've also got some ongoing bird-themed reading challenges and activities including Bird Bingo; a birding class; a bird walk; and even some bird/window deterrent kits.

Published on 04/15/2026 under News Following Lincoln County Sheriff Ken Schneider's retirement announcement at the end of the current term, the first candidate has entered the race to succeed him. Andy Vanderwyst formally declared his candidacy for the November election, while congratulating Schneider's 36 years of law enforcement service. Vanderwyst, himself, has spent more than two decades with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, serving in roles including patrol deputy, sergeant investigator, and patrol lieutenant, along with leadership positions on the county's Special Response Team and Honor Guard. He says he's been encouraged by support from colleagues and community members to seek the position, noting he looks forward to meeting with citizens to talk about his vision is for the future of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 04/15/2026 under News A Northwoods assemblyman will seek another term in Madison. Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) announced he is running for a fifth term in office. The release says, "Calvin came to you seven years ago with a vision that families should be able to afford to live where they love, right here in the Northwoods." It continued, "Together, we can continue to make the 35th Assembly District a great place to live, work, and raise your families, and we can build a better Wisconsin!" The 35th Assembly District includes all of Lincoln and Langlade Counties and portions of Marathon, Oneida, Oconto, and Shawano counties.

Published on 04/15/2026 under News Nicolet nursing students recently got some hands-on training of a response to a fire scenario. The college recently hosted a "Burn Simulation Day," giving students a realistic look at emergency care. The training began with presentations from fire and EMS faculty, explaining how crews respond to fires and treat burn victims in the field. From there, students moved into the simulation lab, where the mock "patients" arrived by ambulance with realistic burn injuries created using prosthetics, make-up, and live acting. Nursing students stepped into action, dressing wounds, administering medication, and monitoring oxygen levels using high-tech manikins designed to mimic real-life responses. The training also included the Life Link medical helicopter, where the students practiced patient reports and transport preparation, along with flight medicine. College officials say the immersive experience helps prepare future nurses for the fast-paced, high-pressure situations they'll face on the job.

Published on 04/15/2026 under News After a weekend dedicated to youth hunters, the state turkey hunting season opens today. Ahead of the opener, the DNR reminded hunters and outdoor recreationists to keep safety in mind. Officials are encouraging hunters to be certain of their target and their surroundings, noting the importance of positively identifying a turkey and ensuring it's a safe shot. As always, hunters should follow firearm and hunter safety guidelines. Clothing color is also key. While camouflage is common, hunter may want to consider wearing some blaze orange; the same goes for non-hunters who may be sharing public lands. There are also some colors to avoid including small glimpses of reds, blues, and whites which official note may look like a turkey's head. The spring turkey season includes six, week-long periods that will continue through May. Success for hunters has been on the rise. Last year, nearly 50,000 birds were registered during the spring season.

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Published on 04/14/2026 under Sports The Hatchet softball squad notched their second straight Great Northern Conference win Tuesday night against Lakeland in Minocqua, winning, 7-3. Camryn Kraklow picked up the complete game victory, allowing just three runs on six hits. Tomahawk's offense used a combo of patience and small ball to put runs on the board. Averi Petta went two for four with two RBIs. Autumn Merrigan also notched a couple of hits. The Hatchets improve to 2-1 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk returns home for another GNC Showdown against Medford. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM and 97.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show will begin at 4:35 and first pitch is at 5:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

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