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Hatchet Cross Country Teams Compete in Smiley Invite Published on 09/19/2022 under Sports

Saturday morning the Hatchets made the trek south to Wausau and the Wausau East High School for the annual Smiley Invite. Over 50 teams and nearly 1,200 runners from across the state came to compete for in divisional races at the well-ran venue.

Tomahawk competed in D2/D3 races for all events. The Tomahawk varsity girls placed 4th in the overall D2/D3 race, behind state-ranked teams from Little Chute, West Salem, and Kiel. When scores were tallied for just D2 the girls took 5th by a hair. The varsity boys placed 11th overall and 7th in D2.

The Varsity boys race was won by 2021's WIAA State Champions, Shorewood, West Salem.

The bright spot at the meet was that Tomahawk's JV girls won the D2 & D3 race. The varsity girls squad was once again led by junior Rachael Reilly with a time of 21:52 as she placed 21st in D2 (28th overall out of 135 runners). Morgan Hansmann (23:06), Halle Derleth (23:23), Serena Reinke (23:27), Marie Gorell (23:38), Izzy Lee (24:11), and Kambyl Mattke (25:36) rounded out the Hatchet squad.

In the first varsity race of the day the Hatchet boys were led by junior medalist Presley Gutbrod who placed 19th in the D2 race (28th in the combined D2 & D3 race standings) with a seasonal best time of 18:16. Other varsity D2/D3 finishers for the Hatchets included Sam Zastrow (19:23), Owen Dickrell (19:32), Ty Anthes (19:53), Taje Casey (20:11), Jacob Riemer (21:24), and Brett Borchardt (21:16).

Finishing as medalists for the champion JV Girls squad was: Abi Micke (24:39), Lydia Shaney (26:35), Faith Derleth (27:07), Kailynn Hanse (27:08), Summer Gaedtke (30:45), and Jennie Frederickson (35:39).

The 5th place JV Boys team included: Nathan Rosenmeier (21:32), Jeremiah Johnson (21:53), Jacob Towle (21:58), Masen Towle (23:10), Bruce Peetz (23:51), Elliot O'Connor (24:53), Gerard Gorell (25:22),Cayden Shepler (26:07), and Eli Albrent (26:38).

Next race for Tomahawk is Thursday (Sept. 22nd) as the Co-Ed team travels to Big Stone Golf Course southeast of Three Lakes for the Blue Jay Invite. The meet gets underway at 4:00 pm.

In Other News

Tomahawk Finance Committee Holds Brainstorming Session, Eyeing April 2027 Levy Referendum

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Tomahawk city leaders are retooling their strategy for a possible spring levy referendum. Members of the Tomahawk Finance Committee held a special meeting Wednesday night to brainstorm strategies for winning over voters if they make another funding request. In April 2026, the City Council asked residents to increase the base levy by 20%—a boost of up to $276,000. Voters rejected the proposal, with 56% opposing the increase. Because the deadline to place a measure on the upcoming November ballot has passed, the committee is targeting the April spring election instead. They have not yet finalized the referendum question or dollar amount. Much of the session Wednesday centered on outreach, education, and messaging. Acknowledging that number-heavy spreadsheets can overwhelm voters, the committee plans to highlight tangible impacts. Moving forward, they will detail the exact municipal services at risk after years of cumulative budget cuts. This could be snow plow policies, reduced times for the splash pad, the yard waste site, and Fall Ride expenditures. Finance Chair Mickey Loka emphasized that city leaders must do a better job of making their case, stating that they need to "sell our need" and take the facts directly to the public. To ensure the message lands, the city is preparing a multi-pronged outreach strategy combining public informational sessions, online updates, traditional media coverage, and even door-to-door visits by local alders. A successful vote next spring would not affect the city's bottom line until the 2028 fiscal year. In the meantime, committee members will ramp up work on the 2027 budget over the coming weeks.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Vilas County's trail network continues to expand, thanks to new grant funding for a major local project. The Town of Cloverland, west of Eagle River, secured nearly $1.3 million through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to launch the River Trail project. (additional information on the trail project) Phase 1 will construct a 1.9-mile multi-use, off-road paved trail stretching from Old Highway 70 Road to Wilderness Trail, complete with wayfinding and bike route signage. This segment will connect to the St. Germain Trail and the popular 55-mile Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. The effort is a partnership between the City of Eagle River, the Towns of Cloverland and St. Germain, and the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, which committed nearly $500,000 to cover required local matching funds, engineering design work, and project administration. With funding secured, local leaders are ready to advance Phase 1, though a project timeline was not immediately available. When fully complete across future phases, the proposed 10-mile River Trail will connect Eagle River to St. Germain and link up with the Three Eagle Trail. The River Trail segment is one of 49 bicycle and pedestrian projects receiving funding through this TAP grant cycle.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Riders heading out on ATVs or UTVs this holiday weekend should be on their best behavior. As part of the state's "Think Smart Before You Start" safety campaign, Department of Natural Resources wardens are joining forces with county recreation deputies to increase patrols along local trails and routes. Their goal is to crack down on risky driving while providing operators with safety tips. The effort comes during a dangerous year on Wisconsin trails, with 31 fatal ATV/UTV crashes reported statewide. DNR Lt. Jake Holsclaw noted that crash numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. "A large percentage of injury and fatal crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts, operating without completing a safety course, or driving with some level of impairment." During the weekend patrol, wardens and deputies will be actively looking for operating while intoxicated (OWI), speeding, careless operation, and violations of helmet and seatbelt laws. While the extra enforcement is focused on the holiday weekend, officials hope the message inspires safe driving habits year-round.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Officials expect heavy holiday travel this weekend and are encouraging motorists to follow the rules of the road. Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the final travel weekend of the summer. Traffic is expected to be heavy at times as drivers head north to enjoy the long weekend or close up their cabins for the season. Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Krstina Boardman says, "Labor Day weekend is a time to make memories and enjoy one last summer adventure." That means making safety part of the plan, whether you are traveling near or far. Officials remind drivers to stay safe by giving emergency responders plenty of room, eliminating distractions behind the wheel, driving sober, and allowing extra travel time when passing through construction zones. To keep traffic moving, the DOT plans to pause most road construction projects over the holiday weekend. However, motorists should still expect occasional lane closures or reduced speed limits in work zones. Drivers hoping to avoid peak traffic should plan around typical holiday weekend flow: northbound traffic is expected to be heaviest late Friday afternoon into the evening, while southbound traffic will remain steady throughout the day on Monday. At a state average of $3.81 per gallon, travelers will pay nearly a dollar more per gallon than last year, when prices hovered around $2.99. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will continue their annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign through the end of the holiday weekend.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News A weekend rollover crash in Lincoln County resulted in the OWI arrest of an Edgar man. According to this week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Office report, deputies responded Saturday to a single-vehicle crash with injuries on County Highway J. Upon arrival, deputies located an unoccupied vehicle. A preliminary investigation indicated the vehicle was traveling northbound when the driver misjudged a curve, entered the inside ditch, and rolled the vehicle. Deputies later learned that the driver and a passenger had been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. After contacting the driver at the hospital, deputies placed him under arrest for first-offense OWI, going armed while intoxicated, and a probation violation. Upon release from the hospital, he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail Other notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… Deputies made one other weekend OWI arrest. It involved a Merrill man, who was allegedly passed out behind the wheel while his vehicle was in the lane of traffic at the intersection of County Roads K and Q. The number of vehicle versus deer crashes was steady with another 5 this past week on Lincoln County Roadways.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News The Vilas County Health Department has issued a temporary health advisory for Big Arbor Vitae Lake Beach due to an active blue-green algae bloom. Wednesday's advisory impacts the beach located on the northeast shoreline of Big Arbor Vitae Lake off Buckhorn Road. Health Department staff are working alongside the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to assess water conditions and post advisory signage at the beach and nearby public access points. Blue-green algae occurs naturally in most Wisconsin bodies of water, but high temperatures and late-summer conditions frequently trigger blooms. Calm winds allow the algae to float to the surface and accumulate along downwind shores, though higher winds and wave action will eventually break up and disperse the floating scum Ingesting contaminated water during recreational activities is the primary cause of algae-related illness. Pets can also be affected. While public health agencies like the Vilas County Health Department monitor some popular swimming areas, it is generally up to the public to check most lakes and rivers and avoid waters where blue-green algae is present.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News New restrictions could be coming to local waters after the Tomahawk City Council votes to crack down on enhanced wakes. At their meeting last night, the Tomahawk City Council approved an ordinance regulating enhanced wakes on Lake Mohawksin and portions of the Wisconsin and Tomahawk Rivers within city limits. Under the new rules, boaters are prohibited from using ballast tanks, ballast bags, or wake-enhancing fins to operate a boat in a bow-high manner that amplifies its wake. Tuesday's meeting drew a large crowd, requiring extra rows of chairs to be brought into Council Chambers. More than a dozen Lake Mohawksin residents spoke in favor of the ordinance during the public hearing and subsequent council discussion, while many others attended to offer silent support. Speakers raised concerns shared by a growing number of communities passing similar restrictions—primarily protecting shorelines and lakebeds from erosion and sediment disturbance, alongside general safety and wildlife preservation. Council members acknowledged that enforcement will be challenging. However, they anticipate that the ordinance itself, combined with public awareness, signage, and community pressure, will serve as an effective deterrent. Traditional activities such as water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding continue to be allowed as along as wake-enhancing equipment is not used. The ordinance also includes a limited exemption for the Kwahamot Water Ski Club. First-time violations carry a $500 fine, increasing to $1,000 for a subsequent offense within a single year. The Council ultimately passed the measure in a 6–2 roll-call vote. (Aye: Kahle, Garske, Haskin, Soward, Nelson, Wegener; Nay: Mike Loka, Mickey Loka; Absent: Bartz) Because the waters are shared with the Town of Bradley, they're expected to take up a similar ordinance later this month.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News Beer and Bacon will be back on the menu in Tomahawk next month. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved the special event application for the second annual Beer and Bacon Bash. The celebration is hosted at SARA Park by WaWui, the volunteer-led group that supports and operates the facility. The October 3 event is described as a celebration of local flavor, fun, and philanthropy, raising money for the non-profit. As the name implies, beer and bacon will be featured throughout the menu, while they'll also have entertainment including a new-this-year kickball tournament. We'll offer a preview in the lead up to the event. The Council also approved the application for the annual Tomahawk High School Homecoming parade. That will be held on October 2 with no proposed changes from past years.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News A local Northwoods tavern set out to honor area veterans, and thanks to community support, they blew their original fundraising goal out of the water. JEB's Bar and Grill recently hosted its "American Beers for American Heroes" event with an initial goal of raising between $2,500 and $5,000, typically enough to send five to ten local veterans to Washington, D.C., through the Never Forgotten Honor Flight program. Instead, generous patrons and neighbors helped the establishment double their expectations, raising a total of $10,000 to cover the cost for 20 local veterans to visit the national monuments built in their honor. Jim Campbell with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight stopped by for a check presentation. An inside wall now includes the silhouettes of 20 saluting service members to recognize the accomplishment. Organizers thanked the community for their support and say they are already looking forward to raising even more next year. The Northwoods Honor Flight chapter typically runs four trips to the nation's capital each year, with two more missions scheduled on the calendar for this fall.

Published on 09/02/2026 under News While we've been talking back to school this week, it's back to work for a Northwoods road construction project that paused over the summer. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that crews will return to Minocqua next week to resume work on Highway 51 between Front Street and the Lake Minocqua Bridge. Work on the project originally started this spring before pausing in early June for the busy summer season. Crews are scheduled to resume operations following Labor Day weekend. Drivers can expect one more temporary weekend pause. Construction materials and traffic controls will be removed for the annual Beef-A-Rama celebration the weekend of Sept. 26. Outside of the Beef-A-Rama break, single-lane closures will be in effect through downtown Minocqua during active construction. The project is scheduled for completion on Oct. 20, 2026.

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