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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

Lincoln County Receives Bierman Family Foundation Grant for K9 Program

Published on 08/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office K-9 program is adding new recruits thanks to a generous grant. During its meeting last week, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution accepting $35,315 from the Bierman Family Foundation to fund the acquisition and training of two new K-9 officers. The new dogs will replace K-9s Poncho and Nina, who both recently retired after years of service to the county. One of the new dogs has plenty of local experience already. Dasty, who spent five years as a K-9 with the Merrill Police Department, is moving to the Sheriff's Office along with his handler, Josh McCaskill. McCaskill previously worked for the Sheriff's Office in Corrections, prior to his 15 years with the Merrill PD. The Sheriff's Office recently highlighted Deputy McCaskill and Dasty. According to those discussions at the meeting, as part of an inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), $5,000 will be provided to the City of Merrill. Acquiring a new K-9 and training a handler typically costs roughly $30,000. Bringing Dasty on board alongside a second new dog allows the department to rebuild its unit efficiently within the grant's budget—ensuring the program continues with zero impact on local tax levy dollars. The Lincoln County K-9 program was originally reestablished in 2014, also largely funded by a Bierman Family Foundation grant.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News A suspect is in custody following a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Lincoln County last weekend. On Friday, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old Edgar resident Brandon Karlen. He is charged with Hit and Run–Causing Great Bodily Harm. Early on August 16, responders were called to County Highway K near Lake Pesobic Road in the Town of Merrill, where they discovered a man lying in the road with severe head injuries. The victim was hit by a southbound vehicle while walking along the west side of the road. Rushed to a nearby hospital, he told officers he remembered little about the crash. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene pointing to a truck with passenger-side mirror damage, eventually identifying Karlen as the suspect. According to reporting from WSAW-TV, Karlen is a State Patrol Trooper who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident. The State Patrol stated he is currently on paid administrative leave. A judge set a $10,000 signature bond during Karlen's initial court appearance on Friday. His bond conditions require absolute sobriety and prohibit driving at night. He is scheduled to return to court for an adjourned initial appearance on September 14.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Three people were injured following a head-on, two-vehicle collision near Merrill on Friday. According to the Merrill Fire Department, responders were dispatched to County Road K, south of County Road FF in the Town of Scott. Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle blocking the roadway while the second had come to rest in the ditch. The driver of one vehicle was trapped inside and required extrication before being transported to a nearby hospital. Two occupants in the other vehicle were also treated and transported. Fortunately, several off-duty Merrill firefighters stepped up to staff a third ambulance, ensuring all three patients received immediate care both on scene and during transport. The road was closed for about half an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News With the fall hunting season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sweetening the deal for meat processors participating in the state's long-running Deer Donation Program. Established in 2000, the program has seen hunters contribute over 100,000 deer, supplying Wisconsin food pantries with more than 4 million pounds of ground venison to combat food insecurity. DNR officials credit the program's long-term success to both the hunters in the field and the dedicated meat processors who turn those harvests into meals for neighbors in need. To encourage more local butcher shops and processing facilities to get involved, the DNR announced a $25 increase in reimbursement rates for every donated deer. Processors will now receive $125 per standard deer, and $135 if CWD testing is required. The rate increase aims to boost processor participation ahead of the fall hunt, ensuring even more venison reaches families in need. Hunters and processors interested in participating can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Musky anglers gathered in Eagle River this past weekend for one of the largest musky tournaments in the country. The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin hosted the 40th annual National Championship Musky Open across seven local lake chains. Those waters accommodated more than 1,100 competitors from not only the Northwoods and Wisconsin, but more than a dozen other states. Bouncing back from a slower bite in 2025, participants caught and released 184 muskies this year. This year's largest catch was a tie at 48.5 inches, with Jeremy Falkowski of Wittenberg landing his fish first to win the tiebreaker, and the replica prize. West Allis resident Brett Strasser took home top overall honors, landing three muskies for a combined 117.5 inches. Tournament proceeds directly benefit the Musky Clubs Alliance and its ongoing mission to enhance and protect musky habitats and the fishery across Wisconsin. Following a successful weekend, organizers are already turning their attention toward next summer's 2027 event.

Published on 08/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Football squad opened up 2026 with a whimper at Hatchet Field Friday night, losing to the Luther Knights, 27-6. Tomahawk responded Luther's opening-drive touchdown with a two-yard run from Max Larson. However, the Hatchets would fail to find the end zone after the first quarter. Luther countered with two scores in the second quarter, including one right after a muffed punt with two minutes left. As a team, Tomahawk rushed for 136 yards on 43 carries. Hudson Evans led the way in rushing with 46 yards on seven carries. Larson had 44 yards to go with his lone score. The Hatchets lose their first season opener since 2023 to drop to 0-1 on the season. Tomahawk will go on the road for the first time next week as they head to Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth from Charger Field in Wittenberg. Other Week 1 Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Northland Pines 14, Antigo 8 Lakeland 42, Hayward 14 Holmen 21, Medford 14 La Crosse Central 46, Merrill 16 Stratford 31, Mosinee 0 Rhinelander 20, Ashland 7 Wausau East 28, Shawano 0 Nekoosa 38, Crandon 0 Abbotsford 21, Markesan 8 8-Player Football: Athens 30, Niagara 8 Three Lakes/Phelps 28, Florence 12 Mellen/Butternut/Mercer 64, Prentice 28 Laona-Wabeno 12, Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas 6 Elcho/White Lake 22, Goodman-Pembine 6

Published on 08/21/2026 under News From Northern Wisconsin to Eastern Africa, members of The Rock Church in Tomahawk recently completed a mission trip. Now, the community has a chance to support their newest effort. Kayla Stelling from The Rock Church was part of a two-week mission to Kenya. She stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk about their trip and to preview a fundraiser taking place tonight. The nine-member, all-female team from Tomahawk, including three mother-daughter pairs, traveled to serve at the Ark Children's Home in Thika. The facility provides shelter, education, and care for 37 rescued children. During their stay, the team saw firsthand the daily challenges faced by the facility. Stelling noted that while the children receive dedicated care, the home has several urgent needs, including a clean water well, a security perimeter wall, solar power infrastructure, and a dedicated indoor kitchen and dining space. Those needs inspired the group to make a lasting difference, with plans for potential return trips in the future. To help raise funds, the mission team is hosting a community fundraiser tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Rock Church. The event features an authentic, home-cooked Kenyan dinner, video presentations, and personal testimonies from the trip.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Overnight rain across the Northwoods brought a welcome sight to the region as drought conditions have continued to expand week by week. The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, shows a pocket of "D3 Extreme Drought" developing in Northern Wisconsin. This area covers northern Price County, much of Iron County, and small portions of western Oneida and Vilas Counties. The remainder of the Northwoods is categorized under D1 Moderate Drought or D2 Severe Drought classifications. Statewide, 91% of Wisconsin is currently classified as abnormally dry or worse, with 72% officially in drought. While the overnight rainfall will not entirely reverse the ongoing deficit, it provides a much-needed boost for lawns, gardens, and local farms, while helping to temporarily lower the risk of wildfires across the region.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Getting to a reported fire posed a unique access challenge for Pine Lake firefighters, though finding a source of water was no issue at all. Crews were dispatched to the south side of Estabrook Island at shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening following reports of smoke and flames. Firefighters launched an airboat packed with wildland pumps and tools from a nearby boatlanding on the Wisconsin River. Prior to the arrival of firefighters, a man and his son had paddled to the island in kayaks and used buckets to help douse the flames. The firefighters set up a portable pump to pull water from the river to quickly extinguish fire. It burned an approximately 10-by-10-foot area near the shoreline. The cause of the island fire remains under investigation by the DNR. Crews were on the scene for about an hour and a half. Officials expressed gratitude for the neighbors, as well as the Pelican Fire Department which provided a boat back up.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Anglers are descending on the Eagle River area this weekend for one of the most popular musky tournaments in the country. It's time once again for the National Championship Musky Open, hosted each summer by the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin. Proceeds from the event support the Alliance's year-round conservation and outreach efforts for Wisconsin's state fish. By the numbers, the catch-and-release tournament ranks among the largest in the nation. Last year's event drew more than 1,100 anglers representing 14 states. Action on the water was a bit slower last year, with 117 muskies boated and released across the tournament lakes. While seasoned anglers have spent weeks or months scouting local waters, others enter simply for the experience, and a shot at an impressive prize. Every registered participant is automatically entered into a drawing for a fully outfitted fishing boat. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Steve Heiting serves as the tournament's master of ceremonies. Regular WJJQ listeners will recognize Heiting, who shares his angling insights each weekend during our local fishing updates. Registration kicked off Thursday evening, with anglers officially hitting the water Friday through Sunday.

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