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Hatchets Sports Recap - Thursday Published on 09/24/2021 under Sports

VOLLEYBALL

The Tomahawk Varsity Volleyball team hosted a quad on Thursday night and the Hatchets played really well all night long.

The Hatchets first swept Newman 25-11 and 25-16. Mackenzie Scholz, Emerson Lange, Claire Albert and Alyssa Zehner each contributed an ace to the match. Meghan Scholz led the team with 6 blocks and 8 kills, followed by Alyssa Zehner and Claire Albert each with 6. Claire Albert led the team with 8 digs. Mackenzie Scholz finished the match with 18 assists.

Next they swept Prentice 25-23 and 25-14. Claire Albert and Alyssa Zehner each led the team with 2 aces. Alyssa Zehner led the team with 10 kills and 12 digs. Meghan Scholz led the team with 2 blocks. Mackenzie Scholz finished the match with 20 assists.

In the final match, they swept GNC rival Lakeland 25-20 and 25-17. Emerson Lange, Samantha Gebauer and Alyssa Zehner each contributed an ace to the match. Meghan Scholz led the team in blocks with 2 and led in kills with 12, followed by Alyssa Zehner with 7. Samantha Gebauer led the team with 10 digs and Mackenzie Scholz finished the match with 23 assists.

The Hatchets finished the night 3-0 in matches and 6-0 in games.

CROSS COUNTRY

Tomahawk traveled to Big Stone Golf Course on Thursday for the annual Three Lakes Blue Jay Invitational. With solid "pack-style" running the Hatchets were dominant bringing home two team trophies in the ten team event. In the first high school race of the day, a group consisting of Arden Ziert, Owen Dickrell, Brett Borchardt, Presley Gutbrod, and Sam Zastrow worked as a "pack" coming thru both the first and second mile, separated by no more than two seconds. They gave Rhinelander a solid run for the title, placing all five scorers in front of the Hodags #4

runner, however it was not enough to offset the Hodags low total of 35 pts. Owen (7th-18:53), Brett Borchardt (8th-19:00), Arden (9th-19:01), and Presley (10th-19:02) were all medalists and freshman Sam Zastrow placed 13th in 19:10. That scoring split of 17 seconds was their best effort to date.

Top 3 Boys team scores - Rhinelander 35, Tomahawk 47, Marathon 56

The varsity girls followed and gave the Hatchets their first outright championship of the day with a season low 23 pts in route to the title. Like their counterparts, the girls placed four in the top ten earning medalist honors, led by sophomore Rachael Reilly's first individual 5K championship of 2021 as she covered the course in a seasonal best time of 20:59, surging past a Three Lakes runner in the last 1000 meters to claim the crown. The other Hatchet medalists were seniors: Macey Mann (4th-21:35), Emily Lacina (5th-21:36) and Geena Wanta (9th-22:16 PR).

Top 3 Girls team scores - Tomahawk 23, Marathon 53, Rhinelander 66

MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

On Thursday afternoon, the MS Cross Country team traveled to Three Lakes for the Three Lakes Invitational. Overall the boys finished 5th and the girls finished 2nd.

Individually, Jeremiah Johnson led the boys with a 6th place finish, followed by Masen Towle in 21st, Ryan Montag 25th, Joe Zastrow 27th, Dane DeKiep 29th, Teddy Frederickson 30th, Gerard Gorell 35th, and Eli Albrent in 37th.

The girls were led by Elise Gibeault in 5th place, Joa Reilly in 9th, Anita Ziert in 13th, Faith Derleth in 14th, Elli Micke in 18th, Abi Micke in 19th, Lydia Shaney in 20th, Norah Mann in 30th, Summer Gaedtke in 34th, Kinsley Lange 37th, Sophia Lacina 39th, Freya Alberg 43rd, Jennie Frederickson 53rd.

In Other News

New Discover Wisconsin Video Highlights Harrison Hills Trail System

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Harrison Hills trails are a popular attraction in Lincoln County. The ATV/UTV trail system is the focus of another new video promoting the region. Over the past two years, Lincoln County has worked with Discover MediaWorks to produce a series of videos. The current chapter is titled What's Behind the Trees. On Monday, they released a new video short focused Harrison Hills and recreation vehicles. Host Lindsey Hayes spend a fall day riding with a local group to experience what the 60-plus mile trail system has to offer. She highlights the diverse terrain and natural scenery of riding in the Harrison Hills, along with trail access to various amenities including campgrounds, bars and restaurants, and parking areas and gathering spaces. And like many of the videos in the series, it showcases the people behind the place. This video is part of a growing catalog of segments and features on Lincoln County. One of the segments produced last year on sled dogs was selected as the winner of a regional Emmy Award. Many of these videos focus on outdoor recreation, playing on the Lincoln County slogan, "Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins." In fact Hayes repeats the line as the latest segment closes. The video is available on Discover Wisconsin's YouTube channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News While storms and downed trees cause most wide spread power outages, a common backyard critter is another frequent culprit. According to Wisconsin Public Service, squirrels caused power outages to an estimated 5,000 customers this past year. The utility recently highlighted some of the proactive measures they've been taking to help prevent animal-related outages. Their crews add a special coating to some equipment that makes it harder for the squirrels and other animals to climb and gnaw at wires. Transformers and substations are another location for nesting and food storage. WPS places special covers on transformers to prevent access, while adding extra insulation to prevent animals from entering and causing a damage. Although squirrels are the most common wildlife pest, they are not alone. WPS notes that birds, raccoons, snakes and other rodents have all been known to cause power interruptions.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Northwoods residents have a pair of tech schools in our back yard with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and Nicolet College in Rhinelander. A recent survey published in January showed approximately two-thirds of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable opinion of the system and its colleges. That's up from 52% in a similar survey from 2022. Residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability. System President Layla Merrifield says, "Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike." Merrifield added, "As we look ahead, WTCS remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships with employers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common and treatable heart rhythm condition. For some patients, medications alone are not enough to manage symptoms, but there are other options. February is American Heart Month and Aspirus provided some information on Afib while highlighting a relatively new treatment known as Pulse Field Ablation. Dr. Ronnie Ortiz is a cardiac electro-physiologist with Aspirus Heart Care. He explained that atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat, where people may notice palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and most commonly feeling tired. When medications are not effective, physicians may recommend an ablation procedure. Ablation targets areas of heart tissue that contribute to the abnormal rhythm. Pulse field ablation uses targeted electrical energy, allowing physicians to treat the heart more efficiently. Compared to traditional ablation, Ortiz says, "What's different is that it reduces the risk of collateral damage to nearby structures, which is an important benefit for patients." It also reduces the time of the procedure and recovery. Ortiz also emphasized the importance of seeking care when symptoms appear. He says, "The longer atrial fibrillation goes untreated, the more challenging it can be to manage."

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating an art theft. According to this week's report, a deputy was sent to a property on County A in the Town of King for a report of a theft that occurred sometime within the last year. The reporting party indicated that while his home was under construction, someone remove a high-value piece of art from the property. According to the report, the owner was able to provide the deputy with possible suspects. At the time of the report, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 67 year old Merrill woman was arrested for 1st offense OWI following a single vehicle crash in the Town of Scott.Two other weekend accidents resulted in injuries that required further medical treatment.The number of vehicle vs deer collisions remains elevated for this time of year with another 9 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys wrestling squad would finish up their home portion of their schedule with a close loss in their Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo Monday night, 35-30. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 7-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action tonight to wrap up their regular season at Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee. Events begin at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their eighth straight game Saturday, defeating St. Mary Springs in Fond du Lac, 5-2. Tomahawk got on the board first, as Jonah Dickens lit the lamp with an assist from Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led with 9:27 left in the first. Five minutes later, that duo would team up again for the second Hatchet goal, as Dickens scored from Reilly and Tomahawk led 2-0 after the first. Tomahawk would build their lead to 3-0 with 12:38 remaining in the second; Brayden Lamer scores on the power play, with assists to Dickens and Reilly. Dickens would score his 40th goal of the year on a shorty with 11:23 left in the second. Landyn Seymour and Reilly assisted. Seymour would cap off the Hatchet second period scoring, with an even strength goal with 1:28 left in the second. Dickens and Reilly get the assists. Tomahawk led 5-0 after two periods of play. St. Mary's Spring would score their two goals late in the third period, both on power plays from Teigue Wagner. Hudson Seymour had 22 saves for the Hatchets. The Hatchets improve to 18-3 on the season. Tomahawk looks to finish the Great Northern Conference season undefeated Tuesday up in Eagle River against Northland Pines. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' wrestlers would finish second in the Elcho Scramble Saturday. Tomahawk finished with 237.5 points, finished behind only Manitowoc Lincoln. The Hatchets would have three first place finishers in the meet. Wally Horabik would win the 144-pound bracket. Also placing first were Kaiden Kapellusch at 175 pounds and Nathan Norman at 215 pounds. Tomahawk is back in action Monday for a Great Northern Conference dual match with Antigo at the Hatchet House. Events begin at 6:30.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestler would place sixth at the Husky Challenge in Eau Claire North Saturday morning. The Hatchets finished with 107 team points, five behind Eau Claire North and St. Croix Falls. Fellow Lincoln County School Merrill would win the challenge Saturday. Three Hatchets would finish fourth place in the invite. Kylie Peissig, Kaylee Roberts, Kami Gabrich, and Lillian Taves all placed in the top four. The Hatchets hit the mats for the Great Northern Conference Meet in Medford Friday night. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pre-meet Show at 4:40 and opening events beginning at 5:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News At their annual awards celebration this weekend, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized another group of individuals that have contributed their time and talents to the community. The Chamber honors those who have made the Tomahawk area a better place to live, work, and play. And in this community, there is never a shortage of candidates. The Ambassador Award is presented to an individual, organization or business who presents the community in a positive light. It was awarded to Tomahawk Music on the River. They're the group behind the free, weekly concert series in Memorial Park during the summer. Next, the Spirit Award, was presented to Chris Bembinster, a long-term volunteer with WaWui and SARA Park. A new award this year, Small Business of the Year, was voted on by the community. We, at WJJQ Radio, were grateful to accept this award. The final award of the evening was for Lifetime Achievement. It was presented to Patti Hilgendorf. Hilgendorf is the long-time director of the youth mentor program known as Tomahawk Kinship. A congratulations go out to all of this year's recipients.

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