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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

Lincoln County Sheriff Report: Investigating Thefts of Copper Wire

Published on 05/19/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in an ongoing investigation into a series of copper wire thefts. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, investigators are looking into thefts of copper wire from approximately ten Frontier roadside work sites in Lincoln County over the last few weeks. They noted that similar thefts have been reported outside of the county as well. Detectives are actively investigating the cases and are collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify the suspects. The Sheriff's Office asks the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities near roadside work sites to local law enforcement.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News A 'jiggly junco' outlasted a massive meadowlark, tubby tree swallow, and ginormous goldfinch in the annual Wisconsin Fat Bird Week fan vote. The annual event is put on by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Save Out Song Birds. But beyond the social media fun and "junc in the trunk" jokes is an important mission. Organizers say the competition aims to raise awareness for Wisconsin's native birds and their diet, critical for their twice-annual migration. They encourage people to help local birds reach champion weight right at home by planting native trees and wildflowers, which provide the high-fat seeds and insects they need. You can also protect them by treating your windows to prevent collisions, or by joining the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Shelly Torkelson from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin says, "It can be easy to become overwhelmed and apathetic when you hear about loss of wildlife habitat, invasive species, etc. But Wisconsin Fat Bird Week tries to inspire action through fun and friendly competition." Additional information including all of the photos is available on the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News It's National EMS Week, and the Pine River First Responders have a major reason to celebrate, and residents will be safer. Thanks to a state grant of over $15,000, the department has purchased critical new equipment including three new AEDs. This means every single first responder in the township, along with several front-line fire vehicles, is now equipped with a lifesaving defibrillator. Formed in 2006, the Pine River First Responders team handles about 75 medical calls a year, and they're looking to invest remaining funds into growing their team through recruitment, training and equipping additional first responders Pine River residents interested in learning more can stop by their monthly meetings, the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm at the fire station.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Those looking to cast a line this summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest may have some new fishing docks. Utilizing funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Forest Service crews installed new fishing docks on five lakes located within the forest lands. That includes three spots in Price County at Sailor, Round, and Blockhouse lakes in Price County. The upgrades were funded through the CNNF staffer Chris Geidel says, "These improvements help provide safe, reliable, and accessible recreation opportunities for residents and visitors enjoying National Forest lands." The new docks are designed with durable, low-maintenance materials that can stand up to Wisconsin weather while improving safety and accessibility for anglers of all ages and abilities. Recreation leaders say the project not only improves outdoor access, but also supports tourism and rural communities that rely on visitors enjoying the Northwoods experience.

Published on 05/18/2026 under Sports Hatchet Baseball Survives in 7th, Sweep Antigo The Hatchet baseball squad overcame five errors to edge out Great Northern Conference foe Antigo on the road Monday night, winning, 4-3. The win by Tomahawk is their third straight overall and second straight Great Northern Conference victory. Wally Horabik went two for four with two triples. Horabik also picked up the win on the mound, allowing just one run over three innings of relief. Horabik would also score the go-ahead run on an error off a ground ball by Brody Hilgendorf. Nick Arndt also went two for four on the day. Jonah Dickens went four for four with a double and a run scored. Starting pitcher Cash Olsen gave up two runs in four innings of work. The win puts Tomahawk at 8-9 on the season and 6-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action against #6 in Division 3 Stratford at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field today. First pitch is at 5:00. Tomahawk Golf Places Third in Mosinee To Wrap Up Regular Season The Hatchet golfers would wrap up their regular season placing third in their final Great Northern Conference meet at Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee Monday. The Hatchets finished with a team score of 349, tied with Merrill and two strokes ahead of Rhinelander. The top Hatchet golfer was Jake Albert, who placed sixth overall and finished with an 81. Rocco Carew and Brayden Lamer tied for second on the team and 15th overall with an 89. Rounding out the top five were Jaxon Kaiser with a 90 and Oliver Childers with a 96. This concludes the 2026 Hatchet Golf Regular Season. The WIAA Division 2 Golf Meet is next Tuesday at Turtleback Golf Course in Rice Lake. Tee-off is at 9:00.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News As Mental Health Month continues in May, the Langlade County Health Department is working to raise awareness about mental health resources and encourage residents to reach out for support when needed. The department has launched a county-wide awareness campaign featuring informational displays, posters and social media outreach throughout Langlade County including the Health Department, Senior Center, the library, and local business partners. Officials are highlighting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. They are also promoting CredibleMind, a free online mental health platform which offers articles, videos and tools on topics like stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and building healthy habits. Karen Marten, a public health nurse with Langlade County, said mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. She added, "It is okay to ask for help, and no one should feel alone. Small steps, like talking to someone or using helpful tools, can make a big difference." The Langlade County Health Department encourages residents to check in with loved ones, learn more about available services, and make use of local mental health resources.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News With summer riding season getting underway, the DNR is reminding ATV and UTV operators to make safety a priority before heading out on the trails. That includes taking a safety course and going over new riding rules. The ATV/UTV safety courses are required for operators born in or after 1988, but encouraged about all operators. DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw said Wisconsin continues to see a high number of ATV and UTV crashes involving riders who have never taken a safety course. The classes focus on crash prevention and provide practical skills designed to help riders operate safely. Holsclaw compared the safety certification to getting a driver's license. In addition to the safety class, the DNR also highlighted some new regulations related to ATV and UTV operation. That includes a seatbelt requirement for all operators and passengers in a UTV. Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV. Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine – up to three times the cost to repair the damage.ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.UTVs now have window tint restrictions.The DNR will soon release a new regulations pamphlet detailing these updates and more.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News Heading into the weekend, the DNR issued a warning about elevated fire risk. Those conditions kept fire firefighters busy. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, crews responded to 40 wildfires around the state this weekend which burned approximately 51 acres of land. Here in the Northwoods there were four wildfires listed in Vilas County, two in Oneida, and one each in Price, Iron, Forest, and Langlade Counties. Debris burning remains the leading cause of wildfires, accounting for around half Overnight rains in the Northwoods should help improve conditions. The DNR reminds people to check burn restrictions, updated daily at 9am.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News Back in 2024, the Tomahawk School District unveiled the Wall of Honor to recognize students who went on to serve in the military. Now they're inspiring other districts to do the same. The Medford School District recently announced plans to create their own Wall of Honor, citing the Tomahawk School District in the announcement. The concept includes emblems of each service branch, above the names of each student who served. Local veterans including Bill Vach, are working with the district's social studies department to bring the concept to life. That includes securing donations to help fund the project as well as identifying the names of Medford graduates who served. Their goal is to dedicate the Honor Wall during the school's Veterans Day ceremony in November.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News While bicycling is typically a solo sport, Wausau hosted a rally this weekend for those who ride bicycles built for two. And an even larger event is on the schedule for next year. This past weekend, the Couples on Wheels-Wisconsin Tandem Bicycle Club hosted its annual Spring Rally in the Wausau area. Nearly 90 tandem riders were able explore routes around Rib Mountain, downtown Wausau, Lake DuBay and the Big Eau Pleine River area. Next Fall, over Labor Day weekend, Wausau has been selected as the location for the 2027 Midwest Tandem Rally. The four-day event is the largest of it's kind in North America; and is expected to bring more than 400 tandem bicyclists to Northern Wisconsin. Visit Wausau was recently awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to support the event. Visit Wausau Executive Director Tim White said the event will help showcase the region as a growing outdoor recreation destination, while also generating overnight stays and tourism spending. Activities will include daily rides, educational sessions, vendor exhibits and social events.

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