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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

Participants Preparing for Icy Swim with Return of the Tomahawk STAR Splash

Published on 01/02/2026 under News In a little more than 24 hours, some brave individuals here in Tomahawk will be taking a quick dip into the icy waters of Lake Mohawskin, and it's all for a good cause. The countdown is on for the 2025 edition of the Tomahawk STAR Splash. The STAR Splash supports the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, and Jackie Leonard stopped by the WJJQ studios early this week to talk about the organization and tomorrow's event. The STAR Foundation is a locally-run non-profit that supports Tomahawk area programs, projects and organizations. Leonard offered a few examples of the many major projects they've supported including the Dream Park, the Hatchet football field, the River Walk Trail, and the Kinship House. But they also help with smaller donations for non-profits and their operational needs. The STAR Splash is one of their two major fundraisers, along with Best Burger in Paradise. Participants have been busy collecting pledges to jump. The funds collected tomorrow will be split between the STAR Foundation and the non-profit of the jumper's choosing. Over they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the Tomahawk hockey team the top fundraiser for several consecutive years. Leonard says they've got some returning participants along with some new teams. Conditions have varied over the years from sub-zero temps to mild days with no ice on the lake. It is, of course, winter, but Leonard, a cold water plunge regular, notes that sun shine always makes a big difference. Participants will get a blanket to warm up and they've got bonfires and host Castaways nearby. For those that would like to support the cause but prefer to stay dry, they'll have other entertainment and activities on land including raffles and drawings. Castaways, formerly Happy Snapper, has been hosting the event for nearly two decades and will do so once again. Activities get underway at noon; the jumping at 2pm.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News While snow earlier this week was a welcome sight for snowmobilers eager to start the riding season, it's added plenty of extra work for the snowmobile clubs. The winter storm Sunday and Monday blanketed more than a half foot of wet, heavy snow across the Northwoods. That left plenty of hazards and debris on the snowmobile trail system including some downed trees as well as low hanging branches. The Northwoods Passage club put out a call for volunteers to help clear trails Friday and Saturday. The said, "The sooner we get the trails cleaned up the quicker we can get the groomers on them and bring them up to great condition." With approximately 275 miles of trails to get through, they added, "Many hands make light work." It also serves as an important reminder of the work that goes into the club-maintained trail system that Wisconsin uses, and for riders to get involved in their local snowmobile club. For those looking to help with the Northwoods Passage, they've got information on their Facebook Page.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News Yesterday we talked about setting New Year's resolutions and sticking to them. And experts say it can be a good idea to get kids get involved in New Year's resolutions as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that these goals can build healthy habits, confidence, and resilience for children. Dr Heather Winesett, a pediatrician at Aspirus echoed those thoughts adding, "It's a great time to reflect on where they've been and where they'd like to go." Winesett recommends setting one or two small, realistic goals with youth. A few suggestions she offered include reading goals, keeping up on chores, limiting screen time or weekly family time. Winesett noted it should be light and fun because it's all about progress, not perfection. She says by keeping goals small, realistic, and fun, families can turn the New Year into a chance to grow together.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News With plenty of snow across Wisconsin, the state's tourism department has launched their snow report for the season. The snow report offers updated snow conditions and other relevant information for winter sports of all types including snowmobiling. To gather the information, they use an impressive roster of more than 100 local snow reporters across all 72 counties. This includes Chambers and Visitor's Bureaus, snowmobile clubs, and state and county park staffers. In addition to trail conditions and snow cover, the report also provides ideas and resources for winter activities and nearby accommodations. As the report grows in popularity the Travel Wisconsin also continues to expand the information available. They now include sorting filters for silent sports activities like snowshoeing, fat-tire bikes, and cross country and downhill skiing. You can find the snow report on the Travel Wisconsin website, we'll include a link.

Published on 01/02/2026 under News For those who chose fitness as a New Year's resolution, the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander offering their annual Winter Walking Challenge, and it begins today. Those signing up have through the end of of February to complete their target distance goal. In order to accommodate those of all levels, walkers can choose goals of 25, 50, or 100 miles. Organizers note its simply a fun way to stay active when many people are cooped up inside. While the Hodag Dome offers a little bit of warmth amid the chilly Wisconsin winter, participants can log their miles in other locations including the outdoors. They're offering different prizes for participants including Hodag Dome pint glasses, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The Winter Walking Challenge runs through February 28. Those interested can learn more and register by stopping at the front desk at the Hodag Dome.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News While we have had a good bit of snow in recent weeks, chilly temperatures are needed for the return of a popular tourist attraction up in Eagle River. The Eagle River Ice Castle tradition dates all the way back to the 1930's. When conditions allow, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build a massive castle out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. In a typical year, around 2,500 of these frozen bricks are are hand placed into the castle walls. The Eagle River Fire Department provided another update on the ice thickness on Silver Lake earlier this week. They found approximately 10 inches of ice thickness, but they need around 14 inches for the castle to happen. Unfortunately, the slush and snow atop the ice makes it difficult to remove the insulating snow to speed up the ice-making process. According to the update, the build team will reevaluate next week to make a decision. The build has been sporadic in recent years due to varying ice conditions. They were able to build an ice castle in 2025.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News Volunteers continue to play a key role in the development of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and those crews were busy in 2025. The Ice Age Trail spans an impressive 1,200 miles including a stretch through Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon Counties. That takes a lot of work to help develop and maintain the attraction, with much of the manpower provided by volunteers. In their year-end wrap up, the Ice Age Trail Alliance provided a summary. They received a helping hand from 940 volunteers, who logged more than 25,000 service hours. According to the organization, they completed ten organized trail building events. Trail program manager Dave Caliebe said, "Long-contemplated projects finally became reality." Back in June, they had two, multi-day volunteer opportunities in Langlade County which helped open a brand-new trail segment: Antigo Heights. Other projects around the state included trail work, kiosks, bridges, boardwalks, along with invasive species control and native plant seed collection.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News We're in the giving season, and Northwoods food pantries will benefit from donations from Park City Credit Union. Ahead of the Christmas holiday, Park City Cares Foundation divvied up $4,000 to five area food pantries serving Tomahawk, Nokomis, Rhinelander, Lakeland and Merrill. The donations will allow these food pantries to restock their shelves following the holidays and at a time when they've seen a steady increase in use. Melissa Wrycha, President of the Park City Cares Foundation, said, "...we believe in standing alongside our neighbors during times of need. Supporting these essential resources is at the heart of our mission to strengthen and uplift the communities we serve." Monetary donations provide pantries with the flexibility to purchase items that fit the needs of their community. Park City also made a donation to these pantries ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has been exploring a PFAs treatment facility. As part of the planning process, the city, working with MSA Professional Services, solicited bids for geotechnical exploration and engineering work. At their meeting Tuesday evening, the Board of Public Works recommended a service contract. The work which includes four borings of varying depths; an assessment of existing conditions and recommendations for utility construction, foundation design, and best practices. The City received two bids, which came within $5 of each other. The Board recommended the lower bid with American Engineering Testing Inc. out of Wausau for $7,280. The item is back on the agenda for next week's City Council meeting. Back in the fall of 2023, routing testing for PFAs in the Tomahawk water system came back elevated. The proposed treatment facility would filter these forever chemicals from the water. The price tag is approximately $6.2 million, and the city is pursing funding through the state Clean Drinking Water program.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The Lights of the Northwoods in Rhinelander has quickly become a holiday tradition. While initially an event around the Christmas holiday, it's now a month-long spectacle. And organizers also welcome in the New Year with a bang. The annual celebration concludes this evening with a special New Year's Day fireworks show. Throughout December, Hodag Park has been decorated with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights and displays. Visitors can either drive or walk through the park to take in the festive atmosphere. They've also been busy supporting local food pantries and community organizations via donations. There is one last chance to check out the lights with a shortened path today. That's to accommodate the fireworks which are scheduled to begin at 7pm. They do recommend arriving early so that everyone can get parked and settled in before the show begins.

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