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Hatchets Sports Recap - Weekend Published on 09/13/2021 under Sports

CROSS COUNTRY:

On Saturday the Tomahawk Cross-Country team traveled west to Fall Creek to compete against 12 other schools in the 26th Annual "Cricket Invite". For the seventh year in a row and 16th time in the last seventeen years Tomahawk brought home the overall combined score team traveling trophy. The Hatchets swept the varsity meet winning both races and the JV girls won their event, while Ty Anthes captured the individual JV boys title. The varsity boys handled the hilly and challenging course and were led by medalists Presley Gutbrod (6th- 19:30) and Arden Ziert (10th-19:47). The remaining Hatchet harriers were separated by only 15 seconds for their best scoring pack effort of the season: Sam Zastrow (13th -20:14), Owen Dickrell (14th -20:15), and Brett Borchardt (18th -20:39). Additionally, Jacob Towle (30th) and Taje Casey (49th) rounded out the varsity boy's in the 67-runner field.

The 9th ranked (in State-D2) varsity girls remained undefeated as they captured their third invitational title of the season, placing two runners in the top ten as medalists. They were led by the 4th and 5th place finishes of Rachael Reilly and Emily Lacina in times of 22:11 and 22:23 respectively. Other lady Hatchets contributing to the championship were: Macey Mann (12th), Morgan Hansmann (16th), Ava Dragosh (23rd) and Geena Wanta (25th).

The junior varsity girls ran to a team title as well, showcasing the Hatchet depth.

Next: Tomahawk competes on Saturday in the prestigious 60+-team Smiley Invitational at a new course located at Wausau East High School on the northeast side of Wausau. Racing gets underway at 8:30am with the boys JV D2/3 combined race.

VOLLEYBALL:

The Tomahawk Varsity Volleyball team finished fourth at the Merrill invite over the weekend.

Tomahawk had wins over Athens and Rib Lake. They lost matches against Chippewa Falls and Stanley Boyd.

Next: Tomahawk will host Mosinee on Tuesday. Listen to the Varsity match on WJJQ at 6:40pm!

In Other News

Oneida County Kicks Off Northwoods Fair Season

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Fair season is officially underway in the Northwoods, and one area fair has never been interested in following a traditional script. Today marks opening day of Oneida County at Pioneer Park in Rhinelander. Organizers have long aimed to create lasting memories while showcasing the best of a Northwoods summer, while leaning heavily into a quirky, high-energy mix that gives the fair its distinct local flavor. The most noticeable change for fairgoers this year is on the midway. The fair has partnered with Spectrum Carnival to introduce an all-new lineup of rides, highlighted by a gondola-style Ferris wheel, a high-altitude drop tower, and a thrilling 360-degree swing pendulum. Yet it is the non-traditional attractions that truly set this fair apart. The schedule features everything from professional wrestling and high-flying aerialists to returning fan favorites like the Cast Iron Skillet Throwing Contest and competitive cheese curd eating. Visitors will also find plenty of live music, family entertainment, and traditional fair food. A complete schedule of events is available on the fair's official website. Consider this weekend a bit of a appetizer, as both the Lincoln County and Wisconsin Valley Fairs are set to launch next week. Opening ceremonies for the Oneida County Fair begin Thursday at 4:00 PM, with festivities continuing straight through Sunday. Best of all for families planning their weekend, admission to the grounds is completely free.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Officials have released additional details regarding a fatal incident that followed a multi-county vehicle pursuit in the Northwoods earlier this week. The chase began in Lincoln County shortly after noon Tuesday, when deputies requested assistance while following a southbound vehicle into Marathon County. Minutes later, officers located the vehicle on County Highway K in the Village of Maine, just north of Wausau. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies discovered the driver and sole occupant deceased inside. Authorities have now identified the driver as 48-year-old John Wallace of Oregon, Wisconsin. A preliminary autopsy determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that no law enforcement officers involved in the pursuit discharged their weapons during the incident. Authorities have not yet released what prompted the initial pursuit. The Wood County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. All officers involved are cooperating fully. No additional details are available at this time.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While it remains four years off, planning continues for a major, much-needed road reconstruction project in Tomahawk. During its meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk Board of Public Works discussed the upcoming Highway 86/Somo Avenue project, which is currently scheduled for 2030. Because the stretch doubles as State Highway 86, the city is coordinating the work directly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and engineering firm MSA Professional Services. The scope of the project recently expanded slightly. City Clerk Amanda Bartz noted officials were informed that construction will now extend to include the first block of South Tomahawk Avenue, spanning between Somo Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue (Main Street). Safety and pedestrian access near local schools are also central to the plans. Because the work zone intersects heavily used routes to the school campus, the project includes sidewalk expansions and upgrades stretching out to Voermans Street. Plans also call for a pedestrian-activated crossing alongside ADA-compliant sidewalk improvements. While the state will oversee the roadway itself, the City of Tomahawk is responsible for underground infrastructure, including water main and sanitary sewer replacements. Earlier this year, crews televised the existing pipelines and presented a map Tuesday identifying specific segments slated for repair or complete replacement. As preliminary design work moves forward, the Board approved a professional service agreement with MSA to handle engineering for the sanitary sewer and water main portions of the project.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News It was a season-high turnout for WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk on Wednesday, and one lucky player walked away with a near-record payout. Tasha Tennant of Brantwood is a regular at the weekly summer bingo sessions, and her dedication paid off in a big way. Tennant filled her card during the night's blackout game to claim a massive $5,529 jackpot. That's one of the top five largest payouts in the history of the progressive game. While the blackout game required players to cover their full card in 59 called numbers or fewer, Tennant managed to complete hers in just 55 calls. As progressive jackpots grow each week, so do the crowds. The volunteers reported 210 players on Wednesday, marking their biggest turnout of the summer season so far. This marks the second progressive jackpot awarded this summer, following opening night in May when two players split a prize of nearly $4,000. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo directly support operations and facility improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. Games return next Wednesday, when the progressive jackpot will reset.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While summer is still in full swing, it won't be long before hunters head out into the field looking to harvest a deer. That includes participants in Wisconsin's special Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced this week that eligible hunters can now contact sponsors to secure land for the upcoming October 3–11 season. Timing for the second weekend, overlaps with the statewide Youth Deer Hunt. On those two days, eligible hunters with disabilities can hunt all lands, even those not enrolled. However, for the first seven days of the season (October 3–9), hunting must take place on an approved sponsor's property. The DNR says more than 70,000 acres have been made available across 47 counties, including several properties right here in the Northwoods. A full sponsor directory is available on the DNR website, and hunters can contact landowners directly to sign up. Because some smaller properties have limited capacity, officials encourage hunters to make arrangements as soon as possible ahead of the September 15 enrollment deadline. The announcement coincides with Disability Pride Month in July, as the DNR highlights its ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility so everyone can enjoy Wisconsin's outdoors.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News No criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved in a fatal shooting in Forest County earlier this summer. Dodge County District Attorney Andrea Will was brought in as an independent prosecutor to review the May 23rd shooting death of 51-year-old Floyd Vanzile Junior in the Town of Nashville. According to state investigators, officers from the Crandon Police Department, Forest County Sheriff's Office, and DNR responded to reports of an active shooter firing a rifle at an occupied housing complex. Two Crandon police officers and a DNR conservation warden returned fire, striking Vanzile. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In her final report, DA Will wrote that Vanzile was an "active shooter firing with complete disregard for human life." She concluded that officers acted in self-defense and that their use of force was objectively reasonable to protect both themselves and the public.No officers or civilians were injured.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News After spending June helping residents strengthen their social connections, the Lincoln County Health Department is now encouraging the community to take the next step toward a healthier lifestyle. The department's new Healthy Lifestyles Passport Challenge kicks off Friday, inviting anyone who lives or works in Lincoln County to complete simple activities throughout the month of August that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Public Health Promotion and Education Specialist Lexi Buntrock says the goal is to help families and individuals build healthy habits they can continue long after the challenge ends. Participants earn points by choosing activities like visiting a farmers market or trying new fruits and vegetables to hiking a local trail or taking a walk with a friend. Other points are awarded by visiting the Health Department booth at a Farmer's Market or National Night Out, or even checking out a book about health and nutrition. (list of examples) Those who complete the Challenge by the end of August have an opportunity to win prizes. Passport forms are available at the Lincoln County Health Department or can be printed off online. Completed forms are due by September 11. Additional information is available on the LCHD website.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News An investigation is underway into the death of a driver following a vehicle pursuit through Lincoln into Marathon County. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County deputies requested assistance shortly after noon while pursuing a southbound vehicle on County Highway K that had crossed the Marathon County line. Minutes later, dispatchers received reports that the vehicle had crashed near the intersection of County Highway K and Rainbow Drive in the Village of Maine, north of Wausau. Deputies arrived at the scene and found the driver, a lone male occupant, deceased inside the vehicle. No additional details have been released, including the identity of the driver or what initiated the pursuit. An outside agency, the Wood County Sheriff's Office, is leading the investigation. Authorities stated that all deputies involved were operating marked squad cars equipped with in-car camera systems and were wearing body-worn cameras. In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative duties.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News It's hard to believe, but Tomahawk's summer concert series is winding down. However, there are still two more weeks this season to enjoy live music in Memorial Park. Music on the River enters week six of seven tonight. For the penultimate show of the summer, the Tomahawk community welcomes back a popular series regular: Copperbox. Led by a husband-and-wife duo, this Oshkosh-based foursome plays a wide array of instruments across a variety of styles including jazz, pop, and rock. They have toured the country coast to coast, sharing stages with iconic acts. In fact, they'll be opening for Al Jardine of the Beach Boys tomorrow, and have a gig at the Wisconsin State Fair next month. While tonight was originally scheduled as the season finale, concertgoers get a bonus show on August 12th featuring the rescheduled performance by The Cougars. But first, it's time to welcome Copper Box. As always, music starts at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Tomahawk.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee held preliminary discussions Tuesday to examine room tax management, reviewing proposals to update local ordinances and potentially increase the tax rate. Room taxes apply to hotels, motels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals such as Airbnb. Under Wisconsin law, at least 70% of room tax revenue must be dedicated to local tourism promotion and development, while municipalities may retain up to 30% for general fund purposes or municipal projects. The City contracts with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce as its designated Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to manage tourism allocations. In a written proposal, the Chamber made several requests to the committee, including a 1% increase in the room tax rate. At 4%, Tomahawk's rate is lower than neighboring communities such as the Lakeland area (5.5%), Merrill (6%), and Rhinelander (7%). During the meeting, Mayor Michael "Hob" Habeck suggested exploring the creation of a dedicated Tourism Commission to provide additional transparency and oversight regarding how funds are managed. Discussions were preliminary, and no formal action was taken. The Finance Committee scheduled a special meeting for August 19, when the city attorney will be present to address any legal questions and ordinance proposals. A couple of other quick notes from the Finance Committee meeting... The Committee approved a request from Public Works for a series of improvements to the city garage to be paid out of their reserve fund. This included a new lift, garage door track repairs, and new LED lights in the shed which they anticipate could result in saving through energy usage. The Committee also approved a request from the Friends of Tomahawk Airport to release funds from an account for airport purposes to offset some of the recent airport improvements funded by FOTA members.

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