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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

Downtown Tomahawk Shops Prepare for Fall Fest

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Fall Fest is returning to downtown Tomahawk this Saturday, and organizers are preparing for a major Halloween weekend turnout. In addition to offering family fun, the event provides a welcome boost to local business owners. While Fall Fest is free for attendees, local shop owners invest significant off-hours time and purchase their own candy and decorations. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz highlights that this investment pays off by introducing new customers to local storefronts. "The exposure for our businesses and giving them that opportunity to shine really is why we keep doing these events," Turkiewicz said. It is not just out-of-town visitors discovering these downtown shops; Turkiewicz notes it is common for local residents to discover stores they do not normally visit. Because Fall Fest falls directly on Halloween this year, Turkiewicz expects an extra surge in foot traffic as families incorporate downtown festivities into citywide trick-or-treating. The event typically draws between 600 and 1,000 people. Turkiewicz encourages everyone to come down and enjoy the fun, festive atmosphere, noting that family-themed costumes are one of her favorite parts of the day. Full schedules and details on participating businesses can be found on the Tomahawk Main Street Facebook page.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Students at Tomahawk High School are getting a real-world look at the skilled trades, swapping traditional classroom time for heavy machinery and hands-on concrete work. Members of the school's Technology Education program recently visited the CASE Construction Equipment Proving Grounds right here in Tomahawk. Students got behind the controls of bulldozers, tractor loaders, and excavators, gaining a firsthand look at the equipment, technology, and career pathways available in the construction industry. Back on campus, students applied their skills to pour a brand-new sidewalk in front of the high school, gaining practical experience in concrete preparation, placement, and finishing. It's a project they will be reminded of every time they enter the building. School district officials say these hands-on experiences highlight the immense value of technical education and the importance of connecting students with local industry partners. By completing real-world projects alongside local businesses, students leave with practical skills and a clearer path toward careers in the skilled trades.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Downtown Rhinelander has a brand-new, colorful backdrop celebrating local pride, and leaders say it's only the first step in a broader push to revamp the area's visual landscape. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce officially unveiled the completed "Greetings from Rhinelander" mural at 2 North Brown Street earlier this week. Commissioned by the Chamber and painted by artist Alixandra Jade, the project aims to build community identity, drive foot traffic downtown, and create a signature photo spot for residents and visitors alike. Beyond painting the wall, Jade also spent time working with local high school art students. Chamber officials view the new artwork as a catalyst for economic vitality and local connection, and they're already looking to keep the momentum going with plans for additional public art installations across Rhinelander in 2027.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Daylight savings comes to an end this weekend. When setting your clock back, local emergency officials are encouraging people to check home safety. In addition to enjoy an extra hour of rest Sunday morning, it's time once again to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Statistics show around 350 people are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Wisconsin emergency rooms each year. With furnaces and home heating, these incidents occur most frequently in the winter months. In addition to checking batteries, make sure the units are in-date. Carbon monoxide detectors are typically good for five years, while smoke alarms are recommended for 10 years. And heading into the winter months, it's also a good reminder to check home emergency kits this weekend. Look for expired products or items that may have been borrowed and need to be replaced.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Halloween is coming up this weekend, and children across the Northwoods are gearing up for a big night of trick-or-treating. But before kids set out in search of sweet treats, state and local officials are reminding parents to keep safety top of mind." First and foremost, officials urge families to "know before you go." That means double-checking the exact dates and times for trick-or-treating in your specific community. With Halloween on a weekend this year, most communities will be holding their trick-or-treating on Saturday. When heading out, keep these key safety guidelines in mind:Supervision: Children under 12 should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Regardless of age, kids should trick-or-treat in groups, and parents should always know the planned route and expected return time.Costumes: Choose flame-resistant fabrics, avoid long trailing material that could cause trips, and make sure masks don't block vision.Visibility: Equip kids with flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape so drivers can easily see them in the dark.Unfortunately Halloween is a day when crashes involving pedestrians spikes. Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution on the roads. Expect a significant increase in foot traffic.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News If you live in a rural area, reaching a hospital during an emergency can take time—and when it comes to a stroke, every single minute counts. On World Stroke Day, Aspirus Health is reminding rural residents that recognizing the early warning signs can help bridge that crucial gap. When a stroke strikes, brain tissue dies by the minute, making rapid action essential for those living farther from specialized medical centers. Aspirus Interventional Neurologist Dr. Divyajot Sandhu stresses that knowing what to look for can save lives. Health professionals use the acronym BE FAST to spot the signs: B for sudden loss of BalanceE for Eye or vision changesF for Face droopingA for Arm weaknessS for slurred Speech T for Time to call 911 immediatelyDr. Sandhu warns against driving yourself or a loved one to the emergency room. Calling 911 allows EMS teams to start care immediately and notify the receiving hospital so stroke specialists are prepared before the ambulance arrives. Through telestroke consultations, advanced imaging, and clot-busting medications, rural patients can now access life-saving care faster than ever. While rapid emergency response is vital, doctors emphasize that prevention remains the best defense. Managing blood pressure, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco significantly reduce the risk of a stroke occurring in the first place.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board has finalized the district's budget and tax levy for the 2026–27 school year. The board held a special meeting Tuesday to approve the spending plan after finalizing student enrollment and state aid figures. The newly approved tax levy stands at 15.3 million dollars, approximately 250,000 dollars below the maximum allowed under state levy limits. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that over the past five budget cycles, the board's decision to consistently underlevy has saved local taxpayers roughly 1.7 million dollars. As a result, Tomahawk's equalized tax rate drops to 5 dollars and 15 cents per thousand dollars of property value, the lowest rate in district history. Quesinberry says, "We believe the approved budget strikes an appropriate balance between supporting the educational needs of our students, maintaining a strong and competitive workforce, and remaining mindful of the financial responsibility placed on our local taxpayers." The board achieved those tax savings despite continued challenges. State-required payments for students attending private schools through Wisconsin's voucher program jumped nearly 33 percent, costing local taxpayers over 323,000 dollars. Additionally, the district continues to see a 15% annual decline in general state aid,another $225,000 drop from last year. Budget season continues across the Northwoods as municipalities and counties work to finalize their spending plans for the upcoming year.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News As communities across Northern Wisconsin work to expand their trail networks, a new state grant is helping showcase the Minocqua area as a year-round destination for bicyclists. The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau received a $39,550 marketing grant from Travel Wisconsin. The state funding kicks off a three-year plan to connect and promote the area's many biking options including paved paths, gravel routes, mountain bike trails, and winter fat-tire biking. The project aims to connect trail networks in Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff directly to downtown business districts, hotels, and local restaurants. "Outdoor recreation has always been at the heart of what makes the Minocqua area such a special destination," said Visitors Bureau President Krystal Westfahl. She noted that the goal is to build on existing trails while finding ways to grow and make improvements. First-year efforts will focus on studying trail traffic to guide future efforts, updating local trail signs and maps, and launching a marketing campaign to promote the Minocqua area as a top cycling spot in all four seasons.Photo left to right: Melissa Doering, Managing Director; Chris Jennings, Regional Tourism Specialist, Travel WI; and Kailey Barutha, Marketing Director

Published on 10/29/2026 under News Election Day is less than a week away, but students at Rhinelander High School just got a hands-on look at what it actually takes to run an election behind the scenes. Yesterday, the high school transformed its social studies classes into a full simulated polling place in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods. Rather than just learning about government from a textbook, students stepped into every role of the voting process. Trained student volunteers ran the election under the guidance of League mentors; working check-in stations, handing out ballots, and overseeing voting booths for their classmates. While their votes cast Wednesday won't count in the actual election, the mock ballot featured major real-world races. League President Debra Durchslag noted that giving young people a peek behind the curtain helps demystify the voting process. Organizers hope this nonpartisan experience builds civic confidence and inspires students to become active, lifelong voters once they become voting age.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Transportation relaunched a public safety campaign Wednesday aimed at increasing seat belt usage and curbing distracted driving across the state. Known as "Buckle Up, Phone Down," the initiative highlights two critical driving safety factors. According to WisDOT data, nearly half of all traffic fatality victims were not wearing seat belts, while distracted driving played a role in more than 9,000 crashes statewide last year. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasized that distraction-related crashes are entirely preventable, pointing out that seat belts remain the single best defense against severe injury or death on the road. She noted that the campaign brings both habits together to help drivers stay focused and safe behind the wheel. Cell phone use remains one of the primary drivers of distraction, which triggers all three major forms of distraction simultaneously: • Visual: Taking your eyes off the road • Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel • Mental: Taking your mind off driving The DoT and their partners have been using the Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign since 2021.

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