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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

Wisconsin Primary Election Today

Published on 08/11/2026 under News It's primary election day in Wisconsin, as voters head to the polls to narrow the field for November's general election. Here in northern Wisconsin, relatively few contested local races are on the ballot, so most of the attention is focused on the top of the ticket. The headline statewide race is the Democratic primary for governor. Governor Tony Evers is not seeking another term, and while seven names appear on the ballot, three of those candidates have since dropped out. The winner will face the presumptive Republican nominee, Congressman Tom Tiffany. Locally, voters across much of northern Wisconsin are also selecting candidates for the 7th Congressional District. Three Democrats are competing for their party's nomination, while five Republicans are vying for the chance to run for the seat in November. Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The general election will take place on Nov. 3.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News A Tomahawk dog has earned a year-long role reminding people to think before they dig. Ruby, a 1-and-a-half-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever, has been named Wisconsin Public Service's next safe digging "ambassa-dog." She secured 60% of the online vote in a contest featuring 10 finalists and more than 13,000 total votes. Ruby is the second Tomahawk canine to earn the title, following Arlo, who was selected as the inaugural spokes-pup in 2024. Her new job carries an important message: call 811 at least three days before starting any digging project, from planting a garden to installing a fence. According to WPS, more than 150 underground utility lines have been damaged since 2024 because someone failed to make that call. Ruby's safe digging campaign will appear on digital billboards and social media over the next year. The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. Today is National Safe Digging Day—August 11, or 8/11—matching the number to dial when scheduling an appointment with Diggers Hotline.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News A new butterfly is taking flight along the Springbrook Trail in Antigo, and it's made entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps. The colorful monarch butterfly now welcomes visitors to the Wild Ones butterfly garden along 2nd Avenue, serving as both a vibrant new sign and a creative reminder to think about the environment. The artwork was created through a collaboration between Wild Ones Northwoods Gateway and Antigo Visual Arts. Work on the piece began over the winter, as local artists crafted the monarch and its background using discarded orange, black, blue, and white bottle caps and jar lids. The installation is part of Antigo Visual Arts' ongoing bottle cap art initiative, launched in 2019 to raise awareness about waste and demonstrate how discarded materials can be transformed into something beautiful. There are now half a dozen pieces of bottle cap art on display around the community. The double-sided sign also features a painted mural on the back, highlighting colorful butterflies and native area plants. Organizers unveiled the new sign on Friday, hoping it will catch the eye of trail walkers while bringing key environmental messages to light. -Photos contributed from Antigo Visual Arts

Published on 08/11/2026 under News The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department spent Monday evening getting hands-on training with some new gear. Firefighters put a new suite of Milwaukee M18 battery-powered tools to the test—practicing cutting and breaching through metal, wood, drywall, and other materials they routinely hit during rescue calls. The new lineup includes everything from reciprocating saws, circular saws, and cutoff grinders to job-site lighting, high-velocity fans, impact wrenches, and drills. Department officials say the equipment was funded entirely by the community, thanks to local fundraisers and generous local donations. Leaders expressed their deep gratitude to the community, noting these versatile tools will help ensure crew members are better prepared for whatever call comes next.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News An ATV rider was injured over the weekend in a rollover crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were dispatched Saturday to the trail shelter at County Highway B and Ski Hill Road in the Town of Harrison. There, crews met a group of off-roaders who were transporting the injured driver off the trail. Investigators learned the group had been riding together and planned to meet at the trailhead. When two ATVs failed to arrive, other riders turned back to search for them. They found that one of the machines in their party had crashed and rolled over, injuring the operator. The group loaded the driver onto another vehicle and transported them off the trail to the awaiting EMS. An ambulance then took the rider to Aspirus Merrill Hospital for treatment. No update on the condition of the operator was provided.

Published on 08/11/2026 under News An unmarked Wisconsin State Patrol vehicle was involved in a collision in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of County Highway Q and Joe Snow Road following reports of a two-vehicle crash this past week. An investigation revealed that the unmarked State Patrol unit was traveling northbound on CTH Q, approaching Joe Snow Road. At the same time, a second vehicle was stopped at the stop sign on eastbound Joe Snow Road. The driver told deputies she waited for a car to pass and then pulled into the intersection, failing to see the oncoming patrol unit. Her vehicle struck the driver's side door of the State Patrol car, forcing the squad car off the roadway and into the ditch. Neither the state trooper nor the other driver reported injuries at the scene.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Tomahawk Main Street is being recognized for their ongoing organizational efforts. The local downtown organization has earned Gold Tier status in the latest accreditation from the Wisconsin Main Street Program. It's the second consecutive year Tomahawk has received the distinction. Gold Tier recognizes Main Street organizations that go above and beyond standards for downtown revitalization, community engagement and organizational performance. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the recognition is a testament to the work of the organization's board, volunteers, donors, sponsors and downtown business members. That includes going above and beyond the outlined requirements. She says one example is board participation. State guidelines require at least 75 percent of board members to take part in Main Street training, but all of Tomahawk's board members completed coursework this past year. She also highlighted efforts such the honor banners, downtown flower baskets, and community events. Beyond the recognition, Turkiewicz says the Gold Tier designation also provides access to additional resources and professional assistance for the organization. She points to state-supported help with Tomahawk's downtown rebranding and landscape architecture work for the planned five-block streetscape project. Those resources can save the community tens of thousands of dollars while helping move downtown projects forward. Tomahawk is one of just 13 communities statewide to earn Gold Tier status this year.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News Drivers in the town of Harrison will need to plan for a detour starting this week as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that County Highway D will be closed between Wagonmaker Lane and Mail Route Road for a culvert and bridge replacement over Big Pine Creek. The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, August 10th at 7:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude on Thursday, August 20th. There is an election exception...crews will have County D open Tuesday to accommodate voters for the Wisconsin Primary. Following election day, the road will close again through August 20th so crews can complete the replacement project. Motorists who regularly travel through the township of Harrison are encouraged to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the construction period.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News In the wake of last month's severe storms, Governor Tony Evers has officially declared a period of economic disruption for four Wisconsin counties to protect residents recovering from extensive weather damage. The declaration applies to Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest, and Vilas counties. While the hardest-hit areas included the Fox Valley—where a powerful EF3 tornado tore through Appleton, Neenah/Menasha, the severe storm path stretched much farther north impacting Forest and Vilas counties which were also included in the declaration. Under Governor Evers' executive order, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now directed to strictly enforce anti-price-gouging measures. The rules prohibit merchants from inflating prices on daily necessities, repair materials, and emergency lodging. The Governor says, "These protections are essential to ensure that families and business owners rebuilding their lives aren't taken advantage of during an already difficult time." The emergency protections are effective immediately across all four impacted counties, and are set to expire in 45 days.

Published on 08/10/2026 under News As students head back to school this fall, a new state report highlights the strong impact local technical colleges continue to have on both graduates and employers. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System, employers overwhelmingly praise the quality of technical college training, with the vast majority indicating they are eager to hire WTCS graduates and rely on these institutions to support their business success. The statewide system includes 16 technical colleges, featuring Nicolet College in Rhinelander and Wausau-based Northcentral Technical College, which has several campuses in the region. The latest graduate outcomes report found 92 percent of graduates seeking employment did so within six months of graduation. And 97 percent of employers are satisfied with the education of their technical college graduates WTCS officials say these strong results stem from close partnerships between technical colleges and local industry leaders, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and the skilled trades. Importantly for local communities, many graduates choose to stay and work nearby, serving as a reliable talent pipeline to help meet ongoing workforce needs.

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