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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

Tomahawk School District Receives DPI Grant for Personal Finance Curriculum

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Students in Tomahawk are about to get a big boost when it comes to managing their money and planning for the future. Tomahawk District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced the district has been awarded a $7,500 Financial Literacy Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. That money is bringing the Junior Achievement program into local classrooms, building a hands-on financial curriculum for students from kindergarten through graduation. The goal is to give students real-world practice with things like budgeting, saving, making smart money choices, and exploring future careers. Quesinberry noted that the program will allow additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with the local business community. He says, "By exposing students to real-world financial situations and career opportunities, we can help them better understand the relationship between education, personal responsibility, and future success." The grant covers all program fees, workbooks, and instructional materials, introducing this high-impact opportunity at zero cost to local taxpayers. Overall, 29 school districts will share in nearly $300,000 to support personal finance education. These courses will help districts meet a new, mandatory half-credit financial literacy requirement starting with the Class of 2028.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The City of Merrill honored a dedicated public servants this weekend with the dedication of a new honorary street sign celebrating former Mayor Patricia "Patsy" Woller. Originally from North Carolina, Woller relocated to Merrill in 1962 after meeting her husband, Denvert, while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. She later entered the workforce at the Merrill Foto News, a role that sparked her deep interest in local government. Woller began her public service in 1986 as Sixth Ward Alderperson, eventually becoming Council President and stepping in as acting mayor when the sitting leader faced health challenges. Woller made history in 1992 when she became Merrill's first female mayor, going on to serve six years in office along with 17 years on the Lincoln County Board. Her influence reached well beyond city government, helping launch the Merrill Courier, author two books, and repurposed an old gas station into the beloved Grand Stand ice cream shop. Her new honorary sign stands right outside the Grand Stand at Division and Wright streets. Organized by the Historic Preservation Committee, the dedication is part of Merrill's initiative to honor residents who left a lasting mark on the community. Two more sign dedications are scheduled for later this year.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure starting next week. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs on Monday, October 26th, at 7:00 AM. The closure is expected to remain in place for about a month. Highway officials note that once repairs are complete, the weight limit restrictions currently on the structure will be removed. They hope to have the road re-opened November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. We'll continue to reminder drivers as the project draws closer.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News A routine fall yard cleanup took a dangerous turn in Oneida County this weekend after a piece of lawn equipment burst into flames. Responders were dispatched around 4:00 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Lakeshore Drive following reports of a lawn tractor fire. The homeowner was using a leaf-bagging attachment when the machine caught fire near the treeline, sending flames 10 to 12 feet into the air and igniting surrounding vegetation. Crews from the Pine Lake Fire Department arrived quickly and were able to contain the blaze before it could spread further into the nearby woods. Additional mutual aid was initially called, but was then canceled once crews got the situation under control. They were on the scene for about a half an hour, no injuries were reported. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department and local ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The Lakeland Pantry is getting a boost of more than $17,000 thanks to a new donation initiative at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. The funds were raised through a program launched in February, allowing Lake Club members and casino guests to drop their Ticket In/Ticket Out, or TITO, slot vouchers into donation boxes on the gaming floor. The casino collects the vouchers and turns the accumulated value into direct support for the pantry which provides food and other essentials. Bill Olmsted, President of the Lakeland Pantry Board, called the contribution a wonderful example of how small gifts can add up to make a significant difference for local families. Lake of the Torches CEO Bill Guelcher thanked guests for their generosity, adding that the casino plans to keep the TITO collection boxes active on the floor to continue supporting the pantry.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Following National Move Over Day over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding drivers and off-road riders to slow down and share the trail safely with workers and outdoor enthusiasts. Much like road traffic regulations, Wisconsin requires off-road operators to slow down or move over. By law, ATV and UTV riders must drop their speed to 10 mph or less when within 100 feet of anyone not riding a motorized vehicle. This rule applies to interactions with hikers, equestrians, trail crews, and emergency responders across trails, frozen lakes, and public access routes. "Slowing down and giving others plenty of space isn't just a safe strategy, it showcases a respectful image of the ATV/UTV community," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. Additionally, the DNR reminds operators to always ride sober, wear a helmet and seatbelt, keep headlights on, and follow all posted signs and speed limits.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

Published on 10/16/2026 under News A new initiative at the Tomahawk School District is breaking down barriers for local students and helping them stay focused on learning. With the start of the new school year, the district launched the Hatchet Hub, an essential resource pantry located across all three campus school buildings. The program was introduced by district social worker Mickala Ferge, whose position was brought back to the district through funding shared with a grant from the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force. Ferge joined WJJQ's Thursday Conversation to discuss the project, explaining that the Hub provides crucial support for students in need. It is stocked with basic essentials, including food, hygiene products, clothing, and occasionally gift certificates for services like haircuts. To eliminate any potential stigma, items are distributed confidentially through school staff or directly out of Ferge's office. With winter fast approaching, the Hub is currently seeking community donations of winter gear alongside regularly needed items like non-perishable snacks and hygiene basics. That conversation is available in the WJJQ Audio Center. To learn more or support Tomahawk students through the Hatchet Hub, contact the Tomahawk School District.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News There's no major snow in the forecast yet, but local snowmobile clubs are already gearing up for the upcoming season. The Northwoods is home to some of the best trails in the state, but keeping them in top shape requires year-round effort. This Saturday, October 17th, the Northwoods Riders and Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Clubs will host their annual trail brushing and maintenance day. Volunteers will head out to clear brush, downed trees, and other debris that accumulated since the trails closed last winter. With hundreds of miles of trails north of Tomahawk to maintain, organizers are calling on community members for a helping hand. The event is open to everyone—not just club members. Organizers highlight it as a great opportunity for riders to get involved, meet local club members, and see firsthand the dedication required to maintain the trail network. Volunteers will gather at the Northwoods Riders Garage on County Highway L in Nokomis at 9:00 AM on Saturday to receive trail assignments. Participants are encouraged to bring helpful tools such as saws, loppers, work gloves, safety glasses, and an ATV or UTV if available. After the trail work is finished, volunteers will head back to the garage for a "thank you" gathering featuring food, refreshments, and music.

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