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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 Powwow Days: Parade Winners and Record-Setting Runners

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Another successful Powwow Days celebration in Tomahawk is in the books, featuring a full day of activities ranging from record-setting race numbers to an exciting fireworks show. Here are a few final notes from event organizers to put a bow on the Fourth of July festivities. Record-Breaking Race Turnout: Starting with the Powwow Days 5K, 10K, and Fun Run—the event continues to grow in popularity. In fact, organizers say they saw a record 738 racers take part this year. Parade Highlights and Winners: As for the parade, the big highlight was the F-35 flyover. While the jet was a bit delayed, it was well worth the wait as it roared up Main Street to the excitement of everyone in attendance. While there were many fantastic entries this year, a few stood out to the judges' panel. In all, nine winners were named across four categories—many of whom are frequent guests right here on WJJQ.Organizations: Hope Beyond 21 took the top spot. We've been following their new organizational efforts to support families of children with Down syndrome. Runners-up included the Summer Knights Car Club and Tomahawk Kinship.Merchants: Tomahawk Main Street took first place, followed by Hometown Christmas and LP.Youth Groups: First place went to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo, followed by the Cub Scouts.Clowns and Other: The Will Garske Group took home the top prize. Lions Club Raffle: Additionally, the Tomahawk Lions Club held its annual Powwow Days raffle, handing out more than $6,000 in cash payouts. The top prize winners included Sandy Theis ($1,500), Kevin Imm ($1,000), and Mike Kahle ($750). (Other winners include: Ken Schulz-$500; Marion Peil-$250; Kelly Nelson-$200; Suzy Skees-$200; Mike and Steve Rozinski-$200; Sue Buchannan-$200; Bob and Pam Barnetzke-$200; Chris Theiler-$200; Monica Busterud-$200; Kelly Nelson-$200; Connie Norgren-$200; Mike Volkers-$200; Pam Leist-$100; Tom Loka-$100; Al Berghammer-$100) On behalf of everyone here at WJJQ, a special thank you goes out to all of the organizers, businesses, volunteers, and community members who came out to Tomahawk over the weekend to make it a holiday to remember.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A lake home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire over the holiday weekend. The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched Sunday at just before 3:45 p.m. to a home on Ackerman Road with the fire spreading into the nearby woods. When crews arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home, along with a brush fire burning along the roadside. Firefighters quickly contained the brush fire to prevent it from spreading, but hot, humid conditions and the home's location created additional challenges. An excavator to help extinguish the remaining hot spots. No one was home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. The home was declared a total loss. While a cause wasn't immediately determined, officials say the fire appears to have been accidental. Mutual aid was provided by several area fire departments, including Tomahawk, Pine River, Corning, Russell, Riverside, Little Rice and the Wisconsin DNR, along with multiple EMS agencies and other local responders.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While many Fourth of July celebrations ended with fireworks, the pyrotechnics also kept Northwoods firefighters busy. The Pine Lake Fire Department answered two back-to-back calls Friday night. The first came in around 11 p.m. on Nature Road, where a firework had ignited the base of a tree. Bystanders managed to extinguish the flames with a garden hose before firefighters arrived. Crews then used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was completely out before clearing the scene. Shortly after firefighters returned to the station they were dispatched again, this time to the Town of Pelican to assist with a boat fire on Lake George. Officials say the boat caught fire while anchored offshore after being used to launch fireworks. By the time crews arrived, the fire had burned through the anchor line, causing the boat to drift away. Firefighters used rescue boats, as well as a neighbor's pontoon, to reach the burning vessel, put out the fire, and tow it back to shore. Crews remained on the scene for about two hours. These incidents serve as a timely reminder to properly dispose of used fireworks and keep a close watch for any smoldering debris after holiday celebrations.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Patients in the Tomahawk area will have easier access to advanced diagnostic imaging with the addition of weekly mobile MRI services at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Beginning this month, the mobile MRI unit will be available every Thursday from 12:30 to 4:15 p.m., allowing patients to receive scans closer to home rather than traveling to other communities. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs, tissues and other structures inside the body. The technology helps physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions without exposing patients to radiation. Regional Director of Imaging Services Rick Mai says offering MRI services locally will make it more convenient for patients while helping providers diagnose and treat medical conditions more quickly. The mobile unit is part of a coordinated schedule serving Aspirus hospitals across northern Wisconsin. The mobile MRI availability is shared by Aspirus Tomahawk and Eagle River Hospitals, as well as Howard Young Medical Center.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A community effort to explore bringing a YMCA to the Lakeland area has cleared an important first hurdle. Organizers say the Together for Tomorrow fundraiser, held June 13, raised more than $100,000 dedicated to funding a feasibility study for a potential YMCA. The fundraiser was a partnership between the YMCA of the Northwoods, Lakeland Fitness and Golf, and Lakeland Generations. YMCA of the Northwoods CEO Linda May says the strong community support reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for youth development, health and wellness, and family programs throughout the region. The feasibility study will examine community needs, possible locations, and the long-term viability of a YMCA in the Lakeland area. Organizers say the findings will help determine the next steps in the planning process.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News While summer recreation is still in full swing, it won't be long before the focus shifts to the upcoming fall hunting season. To help hunters prepare, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized its harvest quotas for the year. The Natural Resources Board recently approved the official framework for the 2026 deer hunting season. According to the DNR, antlerless harvest opportunities will vary by individual Deer Management Unit (DMU) to reflect local herd populations. This approach provides expanded harvest opportunities in areas with higher deer numbers while maintaining conservative limits where populations are lower. More than 272,000 bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be issued statewide. While the southern half of the state continues to use county boundaries for its regulations, Northern Wisconsin has shifted entirely to DMUs. In the Northwoods, hunters in DMU 116 will not have any bonus antlerless permits available this year. This zone primarily includes western Oneida County and eastern Price County. The quota follows a recommendation from the local Citizen Deer Advisory Council (CDAC), which based its decision on current deer population goals for the area. Bonus antlerless authorizations will go on sale beginning Monday, Aug. 17.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News One of the Northwoods' biggest Independence Day traditions returns this weekend as Tomahawk celebrates Pow-Wow Days. For generations, the annual celebration has drawn thousands of people to Tomahawk for family activities, food, and entertainment. With most of the action happening on Saturday, the Tomahawk Lions Club has once again put together a full lineup of activities, ensuring there is truly something for everyone. To catch all the action, there are three main locations to keep in mind: Memorial Park in the morning, downtown mid-day, and Lake Mohawksin in the evening. Popular traditions making a comeback include the morning 5K/10K Fun Run, the Lion's Chicken Lunch, and the annual parade. This year's parade will also feature something new, fast, and loud: an F-35 fighter jet flyover. The day wraps up with a thrilling Kwahamot ski show and a spectacular fireworks display. In between the main events, visitors and locals alike can be found catching up with friends and family, exploring local shops and restaurants, or enjoying a relaxing day on the water. Tomahawk Lions Club member Kevin Koth notes that while the Lions organize Pow-Wow Days each year, the celebration is truly a community effort. It is made possible by the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and residents who work together to keep the tradition alive. You can find a full list of activities, times, and locations on the WJJQ Community Calendar. And of course, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the weekend for news, updates, and our annual live parade coverage starting Saturday at 1:00 PM.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Officials have provided additional information regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Oneida County last month. The incident happened on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM at a home located at 5620 Lumen Lake Drive in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to an update from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Alyssa Knabenbauer and Deputy Justin Orth initially went to the residence to arrest 76-year-old John Krga on charges of first-degree sexual assault of a child and repeated acts of sexual assault to the same child. The Sheriff's Office said that during the arrest, Krga produced and discharged a firearm. Deputy Orth responded by firing his weapon, striking Krga. Deputy Knabenbauer did not discharge her firearm. Krga was pronounced dead at the scene. The Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News While we may enjoy the fireworks displays, our four-legged friends generally do not. Statistics show that more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. Many of these cases involve dogs that run off because they are frightened by the loud noises. The Lincoln County Humane Society shared some essential tips ahead of the holiday to ensure your pet stays safe and doesn't end up at the shelter over the next few days. First, before the action picks up, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag containing up-to-date information. Vacationers and seasonal residents should consider picking up an extra tag to write down their current Northwoods contact details. Ahead of the celebration, it is highly recommended to take your pup for a long walk to tire them out before the noise begins. Once the fireworks start, your dog will be most comfortable at home in a safe, familiar environment. To make the space more accommodating, close your windows and lower the blinds. A TV, radio, or fan can also provide comforting background noise. Finally, ensure your pup has plenty of food, fresh water and their favorite toys to keep them occupied and distracted.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News As Northwoods lakes fill with boaters this Fourth of July weekend, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding everyone about the importance of life jackets—and ensuring they fit properly. Wisconsin law requires every boat to carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person on board. While sizing labels typically categorize jackets by age group such as infant, child, youth, and adult; officials emphasize that life jackets should always be selected based on the wearer's actual weight. To ensure a safe and proper fit, keep the following checklist in mind before launching:Inspect the Straps: Fasten all buckles, zippers, and straps. The jacket should feel snug but comfortable.Test the Lift: Lift by the shoulders of the life jacket. If the jacket slips up past the chin or ears, it is too big and needs to be tightened or sized down.The Health Department also reminds boaters that the best life jacket is the one you will actually wear. Some styles, like certain low-profile inflatables, are not designed for weak swimmers or non-swimmers, making it critical to read the performance label before heading out on the water. With thousands expected to enjoy Northwoods lakes this holiday weekend, officials say wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the simplest ways to ensure everyone returns home safely.

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