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Hatchets Sports Recap - Wednesday Published on 08/26/2021 under Sports

GIRLS SWIMMING

The Hatchet Girls Swimming Team competed in Colby on Wednesday. The meet was placed by grade and not overall.

OVERALL FINISHES:

Paige Dekeip - 3rd place overall for 10th grade

AJ Schertz - 13th overall for 10th grade

Joanna Phillips- 3rd overall 11th grade

Brynnen Stefan- 13th overall 11th grade

SPECIFIC PLACES:

50-Yard Fly

-2nd Place - Paige Dekeip - (10)

-3rd Place - Joanna Phillips - (11)

50-Yard Backstroke

-2nd Place - Paige Dekeip (10)

50-Yard Freestyle

-1st Place - Paige Dekeip (10)

-1st Place - Joanna Phillips (11)

Next up for the Hatchets Girls Swimming Team is their first conference meet of the year at Rhinelander next Thursday.

In Other News

Half of Deer Ticks Tested in Marshfield Clinic Research Study Show Bacteria for Lyme

Published on 05/21/2026 under News More than half of the deer ticks tested in a local research project carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The findings come from the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science (TICS) project, an ongoing study by the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute now entering a third year. Their goal is to map tick populations and the pathogens they carry. Over the first two years, they said people collected and submitted more than 12,000 ticks for evaluation. When researchers analyzed 707 non-engorged adult female deer ticks submitted during the first year of the study, they found 51% tested positive for the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. That data came with caution. They said the study doesn't indicate that there is a 50% chance of acquiring Lyme disease from a deer tick bite. Other factors may also impact transmission such as the length of time the tick is embedded as well as follow up treatments. Dr. Jennifer Meece says, "We don't want to scare people off from being outdoors...We just encourage people to take proactive steps to protect themselves from ticks and be observant if they do find themselves with a tick bite." According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, reported cases of Lyme disease have quadrupled over the past 20 years. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The TICS study is ongoing and people can continue to submit samples.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend typically serves as the unofficial start to summer; officials are expecting near record travel. As we previously shared, Triple A forecasts around 750,000 Wisconsinites will hit the road this weekend. Here in the Northwoods, the busiest stretch is along the Hwy 51/I39 corridor. While some travelers will look to get a jump start on travel this evening, northbound traffic is expected to peak on Friday afternoon and evening. Monday afternoon it's the return traffic heading south. To accommodate the increased travel, the DoT says most of their road construction projects will be paused, though motorists are encouraged to 'know before you go' and check your route. They're also encouraging motorists to drive safely not only this weekend, but throughout the summer travel season. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "Safety on our roads is something we all create together." She added, "Every choice – slowing down, putting the phone away, watching for workers and other drivers – adds up to safer travel for everyone. As we told you earlier this week, the annual Click It or Ticket campaign is ongoing which brings an increased law enforcement effort to seat belt use. And coming up tomorrow the State Patrol will be conducting an aerial enforcement on Highway 51 in Oneida County.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Lincoln County Board of Supervisors is hoping to turn opioid settlement dollars into even more funding opportunities. Board members on Tuesday approved a resolution allocating $10,000 in opioid settlement funds to hire grant writers to assist with competitive grant applications tied to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. They said that larger grants could help support future, long-term programs such as a family treatment court, prevention initiatives, and long-term sustainability for the jail's medication-assisted treatment program. The resolution notes that while the county's Opioid Settlement Task Force is responsible for developing plans for the settlement dollars, outside grant-writing expertise could improve the county's chances of securing additional state and federal funding opportunities which were described as highly competitive by settlement coordinator Erin Ray. Officials say the move is intended to help stretch settlement dollars further while expanding local resources aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Camping and cabin season kicks off with the Memorial Day weekend, and officials are reminding people that hauling firewood from home could lead to the spread emerald ash borer, oakwilt and other destructive pests and diseases. Officials note that to the human eye, a quick examination won't spot pests or disease that can be hidden below the bark or burrowed deep inside the wood. Over the years, state partners have coined the phrase "buy it where you burn it." In other words, rather than bring firewood with you when you travel; gather it on site or purchase it locally. All staffed state parks and forests with campgrounds offer local firewood for sale. Many businesses also sell certified firewood that has been treated for pests and approved by the state. A handy tool is firewoodscout.org which allows you to find dealers by zip code. Both state parks and national forests have restrictions on the radius that firewood may be brought in. Many private campgrounds have similar or even more stringent restrictions.

Published on 05/21/2026 under News Drivers passing by the Central Wisconsin Airport may see flames and a heavy presence of emergency vehicles, but airport officials say there is no need for alarm. Airport rescue personnel and local firefighters will conduct a live fire training exercise throughout the day Thursday. The annual exercise uses a simulated aircraft fuselage to replicate the unique challenges of an airplane fire response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires these drills which ensure responders are prepared to work together seamlessly in an emergency. These training exercises may be visible in the areas near the airport. The drills are not expected to impact airport operations. Regular flight schedules will continue to operate as usual. The drills will take place on the east end of the airport along Highway 153 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Before they receive their diplomas this weekend, the Tomahawk graduating class is giving back to the community. Throughout the day, the THS seniors are set to participate in their annual Community Service Day. The project has become a pre-graduation tradition that began with the Class of 2016. Over the past decade, the students have tackled a number of projects in the Tomahawk community such as outdoor maintenance at the Senior Center, city park clean-ups, volunteering at senior living facilities, and assisting with preparations with Memorial Day ceremonies. The students will are splitting up and will be assigned to work with various community groups and organizations that need a helping hand. The Senior Service Day has been described as a way for the students to give back and offer a thank you to the community's support during their learning years. It's also part of a busy week for those soon-to-be graduates. They've got their Senior Awards night this evening, then on Friday they'll cross the stage for the THS Commencement. We'll have our annual graduation preview coming up on Friday.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Lincoln County is named for Abraham Lincoln, and now the coin that bears his faces is being removed from county transactions. Like many businesses have already done, Lincoln County will no longer use physical pennies in cash transactions. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new cash-rounding policy in response to the nationwide elimination of the penny. Under the new policy, cash-only purchases made through Lincoln County departments will now be rounded down to the nearest nickel after taxes and fees are calculated. Non-cash payments will not change. County officials say the change follows guidance from Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Revenue. The resolution was described as self-explanatory; the vote was taken with minimal discussion. The policy takes effect immediately, and departments will post notices at cash payment locations explaining the new rounding procedure. The US Treasury minted its final penny on November 12 of last year.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News While the snow from a late-winter blizzard has long-since melted, Lincoln County is looking to recoup some of the clean-up cost. Lincoln County Emergency Management announced it has coordinated a countywide reimbursement request through the Wisconsin Disaster Fund following the March 14th through 16th storm. In the weeks that followed, the county worked with local municipalities, county departments, and state emergency management officials to collect and submit documentation for eligible storm-related expenses that created hazardous travel conditions, heavy snowfall, and operational challenges for communities across the county. . The reimbursement request totals $343,888.51 and has now been submitted to Wisconsin Emergency Management for review. Final reimbursement decisions will be made by the state through the Wisconsin Disaster Fund process. Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt says disaster recovery takes a "whole community approach," noting that coordination between local governments and state agencies helps communities recover financially while preparing for future emergencies. County officials say while emergency response often gets the spotlight during major storms, recovery efforts like reimbursement coordination are an important step in protecting taxpayers and strengthening long-term community resilience.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News As May marks High Blood Pressure Education Month, Aspirus Health is reminding people to know their numbers and be aware that small changes can make a big difference. Studies show millions of people are living with high blood pressure without realizing it because symptoms may not appear until serious health problems develop. According to Aspirus cardiologist Michael Zevitz, some people can feel completely normal even with dangerously high readings. Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and vascular disease. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, kidney disease, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess alcohol use. Beyond medications, changes in lifestyle can help lower those numbers; this includes: regular physical activity, reducing sodium intake, managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption. Shedding a few pounds can also help. Zevitz says, "You don't have to lose a lot of weight to make a big difference in lowering your blood pressure," he said. Aspirus encourages people to talk with their health care provider about regular blood pressure screenings.

Published on 05/20/2026 under News Older adults in Merrill took steps toward staying steady on their feet Tuesday during the 2nd Annual "Improve Your Balance: Prevent Falls Resource Fair." The event, held at the Merrill Enrichment Center, brought together local health and community organizations in recognition of Older Americans Month and this year's theme, "Champion Your Health." Organizers say the fair helped raise awareness about the dangers of falls among older adults. According to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, more than one in four older adults fall each year, and Wisconsin has the highest death rate from older adult falls in the nation. Attendees completed fall-risk screenings and visited booths offering information on balance exercises, home safety, vision care, medications, assistive devices, and other resources designed to help aging adults remain safe and independent. Additional screenings for hearing, bone density, strength, and balance were also available. The event was organized through a partnership between the ADRC of Central Wisconsin, Aspirus Health, the Lincoln County Health Department, and the Merrill Enrichment Center. Those who missed out on yesterday's event can reach out to any of these organizations for information and resources.

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