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Hatchets Sports Recap - Wednesday Published on 12/30/2021 under Sports

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Tomahawk Hatchets Boys Basketball Team lost to Fall River 46-30 in the championship game of the Almond Bancroft Holiday Tournament on Wednesday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Tomahawk Hatchets Girls Basketball Team lost to Montello 44-22 on Wednesday. Claire Albert led the Hatchets with 12 points and Gracie Barnett added 6 points.

WRESTLING

The Tomahawk Hatchets Wrestling Team competed in the Northern Exposure Tournament at Merrill High School on Wednesday. The Hatchets finished the day 2-3.

RESULTS:

Tomahawk over Appleton West 54-24

Tomahawk over Waukesha South 48-30

Shakopee (MN) over Tomahawk 65-9

Oshkosh West over Tomahawk 46-27

De Pere over Tomahawk 52-21

Action continues today for the Hatchets in the Northern Exposure Tournament.

HOCKEY

The Tomahawk Hatchets Hockey team lost to Rhinelander 7-1 on Wednesday afternoon at SARA Park Ice Arena. Caleb Dickens scored the lone goal for the Hatchets with an assist by Sawyer Hanna.

In Other News

Fundraiser Nets More Than $100,000 Toward Potential Lakeland YMCA

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.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News After answering emergency calls for four decades, one familiar face is saying goodbye to emergency medicine in the Northwoods. Paramedic Dan Halverson is retiring July 4 from Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Aspirus MedEvac 91 after a 40-year career in EMS. Halverson estimates he has responded to more than 10,000 ambulance calls, started over 5,000 IVs, and even helped deliver three babies. Halverson's path into EMS began unexpectedly. While working in the auto parts industry, he volunteered as a practice patient for local EMT classes. The experience sparked a curiosity that quickly turned into a lifelong career. Halverson said, "One thing led to another, and I found a job I truly loved." Aspirus Director of Nursing Julie Williams says Halverson's experience, compassion, and commitment have made a difference for countless patients while helping shape the careers of many younger EMS professionals. Known for his sense of humor and his famous "People Catcher's Club." That's the display of fishing hooks he safely removed from patients over the years. Halverson says what he will miss most is the people. Along the way, he notes that the most important part of the job was building meaningful relationships with patients and their families. In retirement, he plans to spend more time traveling, camping, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Residents and visitors to Merrill will hear a familiar sound from the city's past. As part of Fourth of July and America 250 celebrations, participating churches throughout Merrill are planning to ring their bells for two-and-a-half minutes. This actually revives a tradition that took place 50 years ago. In 1976, churches across the community rang their bells to mark the start of Merrill's Independence Day celebration during the nation's Bicentennial. Now, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, the City of Merrill is bringing the tradition back as a tribute to both the country's independence and the community spirit that has long been part of the holiday. City officials are inviting residents to pause wherever they are at 1 p.m., listen for the church bells, and take a moment to reflect on the freedoms Americans enjoy and the shared history that continues to bring the community together.

Published on 07/03/2026 under News Earlier this week, authorities reminded boaters to stay sober during Operation Dry Water. Now, the Wisconsin DNR is delivering the same message to ATV and UTV riders heading into the busy Fourth of July weekend. The DNR expects heavy trail traffic across the state as communities celebrate the nation's 250th birthday and is urging riders to designate a sober driver before hitting the trails. So far this year, 23 people have died in ATV and UTV crashes, with alcohol and excessive speed among the leading causes. Officials say making responsible choices can help ensure the holiday weekend is remembered for celebration, not tragedy. The DNR also reminds riders to wear helmets and seat belts, obey speed limits and trail signs, and consider taking an ATV safety course.

Published on 07/02/2026 under News While the planned military jet flyover at Saturday's Tomahawk Powwow Days parade will be over in the blink of an eye, the spectacle itself took months of effort to secure. The Wisconsin Air National Guard's F-35 Lightning II flyover is the result of tireless work led by Tomahawk Main Street volunteer Mary Smith. She stopped by the WJJQ studios this week to share some of the behind-the-scenes details. It all started when Smith witnessed a flyover at the Rhinelander parade last year and asked herself, "Why can't Tomahawk?" Then she got to work. Her first challenge was finding the right contacts, which involved reaching out to organizers in Rhinelander and navigating several dead ends. Once connected, she faced multiple rounds of rigorous paperwork detailing everything from the exact parade route to Tomahawk's elevation before the military would even consider the request. Smith described, "many, many months of work" and "a lot of hoops to jump through." Her persistence finally paid off when she received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Griswold of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, confirming that Tomahawk had been approved. Smith even worked closely with military officials to ensure the flight path would directly follow Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk's Main Street, where the largest crowds for the parade attend. The flyover will have an even deeper meaning for the Tomahawk community. Smith, a retired teacher herself, shared that the flyover will serve as a tribute to long-time Tomahawk High School guidance counselor and veteran Dan Reiter, who passed away unexpectedly last year. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz praised Smith for her fierce determination. "Mary goes above and beyond in everything she does," Turkiewicz said. "Her heart is so full for this community." For Smith, seeing the fighter jet soar over downtown Tomahawk will be about much more than just an exciting spectacle. "I just feel so proud that we're getting this," she said. "It's something our community will remember for a long time." The flyover is scheduled toward the start of the Powwow Days parade, which gets underway at 1:00 PM this Saturday. The flight path will take the jet over several other Northwoods community celebrations, including Rhinelander and Minocqua.

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