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Hatchets Sports Recap - Weekend Published on 10/25/2021 under Sports

FOOTBALL

The Tomahawk Hatchets Football season came to an end on Friday night with a 54-12 loss to Wittenberg-Birnamwood in the first round of the WIAA Tournament.

The Chargers used more than 580 yards of offense to propel themselves to the blowout win.

The Tomahawk Hatchets finish the season with a 4-7 record. They made their first postseason appearance since 2015.

STATS:

RB Logan Bishop - 7 Carries, 42 Yards

WR Jake Kaminski - 3 Catches, 42 Yards, 1 TD

DB Addison Peissig - 1 INT

CROSS COUNTRY

On Saturday, Tomahawk traveled to Colby High School, the site of WIAA Division 2 Sectional Cross- Country Meet. Ideal conditions greeted the 16 teams as they competed to earn the right to advance to Wisconsin Rapids next weekend for the State Championships.

In the opening event of the day, the Tomahawk boys had one of their best scoring split efforts of the year as they placed 5th overall with 156 points. For the Hatchets, they were led by sophomore Owen Dickrell with his 23rd place finish in a time of 18:17. Sophomore Presley Gutbrod, freshman Sam Zastrow and senior Arden Ziert all crossed together in 18:30 (placing 32,33, and 34 respectively), with a PR for Zastrow.

In the final event of the sectional, sophomore Rachael Reilly led her team and punched her individual ticket to the State Meet in Rapids next weekend with her 7th place overall finish in a seasonal best time of 20:21 for the 5K distance.

Her teammates put together a valiant effort, but couldn't overcome state-ranked teams from Medford and West Salem. Placing for the Hatchets was senior Macey Mann (15th-20:28 SB), freshman Alli Palmer (18th-21:12 PR), seniors Kate Reilly (35th-21:56), Ava Dragosh (40th-22:19 PR) and Emily Lacina (44th-22:22). Junior Serena Reinke had her 2nd fastest time of the year as she placed 46th in 22:35. There were 86 finishers in the girl's race.

With Rachael Reilly's individual Tomahawk continued their rich tradition in being represented at the state meet for the 27th time in the last 30 years (28 qualifying teams and 16 individual qualifiers).

The boys finished their season with a W-94 L-25 (Pct. 790) record and the girls concluded with a W-107 L-8 (Pct. 930).

In Other News

Beat the Heat: WPS Energy Grid Prepared for Increased Demand

Published on 07/14/2026 under News With sky-high temps settled across the Northwoods, Wisconsin Public Service says it's ready to handle increased electricity needs as air conditioners and fans work overtime. WPS says all available power plants are prepared to meet peak demand, and crews are standing by in case storms or extreme weather cause power outages. The utility is also reminding customers that a few simple steps can help keep homes cooler and energy bills lower, including closing blinds and windows during the hottest part of the day, raising the thermostat a few degrees when you're away from home, and delaying off heat-producing chores like cooking or laundry until the evening. For more energy-saving tips to beat the heat, we recently offered a story on simple solutions around the home. Seal air leaks. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and siding. This keeps cool air in and hot air out.Use fans, even if you have air conditioning. Distributing air makes rooms feel cooler. Remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room.Install a programmable or smart thermostat. They can automatically adjust your cooling settings when you are home or away. Our partners at Focus on Energy have great product options and rebates.Clean air filters help HVAC systems and air conditioners run efficiently and can lower energy use up to 15%. Check your filter every 30 days and especially when the system is heavily used, such as during hot summer and cold winter months. If the filter is dirty, replace it if disposable, or clean it if permanent.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Cleaning out closets paid off in a big way for the Tomahawk community during spring cleaning. During last month's Community-Wide Garage Sale, residents could also drop off clothing and household items at the Goodwill North Central Wisconsin donation semi which was stationed at SARA Park. The final numbers are in, and the community donated more than 10,000 pounds of items. According to Goodwill Donation Acquisition Manager Aaron Clark, those donations will provide the equivalent of 733 hours of job training for people across north central Wisconsin. Clark thanked WJJQ, the community and everyone who contributed, saying the support helps Goodwill continue its mission of eliminating barriers to employment. Goodwill says, on average, 90 cents of every dollar spent in its stores is reinvested into local employment programs and services. The donation drive was held in conjunction with WJJQ's annual community-wide garage sale promotion.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News The public has a rare, hands-on opportunity to help construct an authentic Ojibwe summer wigwam at the North Lakeland Discovery Center this week. Under the direction of master builder and Ojibwe tribal member Wayne Valliere, volunteers will assemble a 15-foot diameter structure using traditional components harvested entirely from local Northwoods forests. Organizers say the experience will allow participants to connect directly with regional history and traditional Indigenous building techniques. Once completed, the wigwam will become a permanent outdoor centerpiece for the center's newly opened Northwoods Forest History Experience. Those interested can stop by to observe or lend a hand. The build runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through Friday.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News Whether casting a line, enjoying a quiet paddle, pulling a water skier, or relaxing on a pontoon, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes is shared by boaters of all types. Now, those who frequent the waters are being asked to provide feedback on how they use them to help protect them. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA) has launched a stakeholder survey that will remain open through the summer. Organizers say the input will guide future lake management and support funding and grant opportunities, helping to protect the chain and its watershed for generations to come. The survey is open to residents, property owners, visitors, and anyone who utilizes the water. The gathered data will help shape local priorities for conservation education, water condition monitoring, and the control of invasive aquatic species. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available online at ERCLA.org.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A motorcyclist was hospitalized following a high-speed crash in Lincoln County last week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls last Tuesday. A preliminary investigation determined the operator was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed, lost control on a curve, and entered the median. The motorcycle rolled several times, throwing the driver from the bike. Deputies noted the driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No update on their condition has been released. In other incidents from the Sheriff's Report… A Merrill man was arrested for 3rd offense OWI following a traffic stop for reckless driving. A Tomahawk man was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct follow a disturbance at a home in the Town of King. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down this past week with just three reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A massive collection of snowmobiles and motorcycles will soon go up for auction as part of an effort to repay victims of a multi-million-dollar investment fraud scheme. The U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury announced that online auctions begin July 28 for hundreds of vehicles seized from 64-year-old Stanley Pophal of Wausau. Pophal pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud and money laundering after admitting he defrauded 190 investors out of $14.25 million. Investigators seized more than 600 items purchased with investor money, including hundreds of snowmobiles stored in a rented warehouse.As part of the settlement, Pophal agreed to forfeit the assets. Federal officials say proceeds from the auctions will go toward restitution for victims. Apple Auctioneering Company will handle the sale. Details about the items will be listed online in the coming days. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to register in advance of the sale. Pophal is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 2 in federal court.

Published on 07/14/2026 under News A Mosinee man will spend the next seven-and-a-half years in federal prison after admitting he intended to distribute a large quantity of methamphetamine in Northern Wisconsin. Thirty-three-year-old Tyler Briggs was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Authorities arrested Briggs in January after an undercover drug buy outside a Wausau bar. Investigators say they found more than 1½ pounds of methamphetamine in his backpack, and Briggs admitted he was dealing drugs. During sentencing, Judge William Conley said the large amount of methamphetamine placed Briggs in a different category of drug trafficker and warranted a lengthy prison sentence. Briggs will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. The case was investigated by the FBI's Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, which includes the Marathon and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and several other local, state and federal agencies.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Wisconsin drivers should be on their best behavior this week, as state troopers will be watching from some very unusual vantage points. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced the return of two enforcement campaigns this week: its aerial enforcement initiative and the "Trooper in a Truck" program. State Patrol pilots are scheduled to spend today high above Oneida County, tracking aggressive drivers and speeders on US Highway 51 from a bird's-eye view. The aerial crews then communicate with cruisers on the ground to initiate traffic stops. Officials say the goal is not just to hand out tickets; by announcing the campaign publicly, they hope to encourage drivers to voluntarily follow the rules of the road. But the State Patrol's creative tactics do not stop in the sky. Troopers will also be swapping their squads for semis this week. The "Trooper in a Truck" campaign pairs officers with commercial truck drivers, giving law enforcement an elevated vantage point to spot distracted or reckless drivers. They'll be working in regions around the state all week long, focusing on Northwoods highways on Friday.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News A person was airlifted to a Madison burn unit after escaping a duplex fire over the weekend in Vilas County. Arbor Vitae Fire/Rescue was dispatched just after noon on Saturday to a structure fire on White Pine Lane. While crews were still en route, leadership requested mutual aid after the first responders on the scene reported that the split-level duplex was already heavily engulfed. Upon arrival, crews battled intense heat, heavy flames, and weakened floors as they attacked the fire and searched the units. The lone occupant managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived. The individual was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Madison burn center, and fire officials say they are expected to recover. No firefighters were injured. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in a lower-level room where ammunition reloading was taking place. Investigators believe a round discharged, igniting gunpowder and causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the duplex. The building is considered a total loss. More than a dozen agencies from throughout Oneida and Vilas counties ultimately responded to assist at the scene.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News There is a new Hodag in Rhinelander, but this one is made of metal and helps tell the story of the city. Community members gathered in downtown Rhinelander on Friday morning for the unveiling of the new Iron Hodag. The public art sculpture was created by Wisconsin artist Don Gaber. Built from reclaimed metal donated by local businesses and residents, the approximately eight-foot-tall sculpture incorporates pieces of Rhinelander's history, including salvaged industrial materials and other artifacts that helped shape the community. According to the Rhinelander Chamber, this project celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and community pride that define Rhinelander. The sculpture was commissioned by former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elsie Gaber, whose philanthropic support has funded several community projects through the Rhinelander Community Foundation. Organizers say the Iron Hodag adds a new chapter to the city's legendary Hodag tradition while creating another destination for residents and visitors exploring downtown. The dedication plaque reads, in part: "The Iron Hodag, Guardian of the Northwoods, A Rhinelander Legend." The Iron Hodag is located in downtown Rhinelander at the pocket park on the corner of Brown and Anderson Streets. The project was a collaborative effort between the Gabers, the City of Rhinelander, the Chamber, and ArtStart.

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