WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Hatchet Cross Country Teams Host Hatchet Invite Published on 10/10/2022 under Sports

Tomahawk hosted 9 teams for their annual Cross-Country Invitational on Saturday. This year's
homecoming race was ran at the Inshalla Country Club. It was a beautiful day with a brisk fall breeze on
the magnificent golf course. After running the game ball into the Hatchet football team the night before
the Tomahawk Cross-Country team competed in their home invitational with the following finishes: Girls
Varsity-3rd, Boys Varsity-4th, Girls JV-1
st
, and the Boys JV-1st.

The lady Hatchets were led by medalist Alli Palmer in a time of 21:17 with a 6th place finish. A pack of Hatchet varsity teammates trailed her, including: medalist Rachael Reilly (21:45), Halle Derleth (21:55), Morgan Hansmann (22:08), Serena Reinke (22:34), Marie Gorell (22:51), and Robin Schmidt (22:57). A mixed bag of good and bad races resulted in an overall 3rd place finish behind GNC conference

competition Lakeland and Division III State ranked Phillips.

Girls team scores were: Phillips-60, Lakeland-60, Tomahawk-66, Rhinelander-89, Crandon-94, Antigo-147, Hurley-204, Mosinee-Inc., and Laona/Wabeno-Inc.

The boys positioned two in the top fifteen for medalist honors led by Presley Gutbrod as he placed 12th in a time of 18:11 and medalist Sam Zastrow who placed 13th in a time of 18:27. Varsity teammates included: Ty Anthes (18:59), Owen Dickrell (19:32), Taje Casey (19:49), Jacob Riemer (19:50), and Brett Borchardt (19:52). Similar to the girls some boys excelled while others were stalled in the cool breeze landing the boys in 4th place behind Division III powerhouse Phillips, Lakeland, and Rhinelander.

Boys team results: Phillips-36, Lakeland-59, Rhinelander-69, Tomahawk-78, Crandon-121, Mosinee-156,

Hurley-Inc., Antigo-Inc., and Laeona/Wabeno-Inc.

Never to disappoint, both the junior varsity squads took first place. Most noticeable was that the entire scoring five of the girls JV team were top 10 medalists. They were led by junior Kambyl Mattke who placed 2nd with a time of 23:07. Her scoring teammates were: Faith Derleth (23:21), Abi Micke (23:22), Izzy Lee (23:25), and Lydia Shaney (25:05). Other varsity girls who helped contribute point differentials in favor of Tomahawk were Summer Gaedtke (27:47) and Jennie Frederickson (36:02).

The boys were led by 2nd place finisher Jeremiah Johnson who ran the course in 20:39. His medalist teammates included: Nathan Rosenmeier (20:50), Elliot O'Connor (21:39), and Masen Towle (22:03). Other JV boys who helped in the victory were: Bruce Peetz (22:44), Gerard Gorell (22:57), Eli Albrent (23:27), and Cayden Shepler (24:23).

Next race is Saturday as the Hatchets travel to Medford High School for the Great Northern Conference Meet. The first race will be the girls varsity at 11:00 am.

In Other News

Electronics Recycling Event Returns to Merrill this Weekend, Local Outreach Benefits

Published on 06/04/2026 under News If spring cleaning has uncovered a closet full of dusty electronics, an event in Lincoln County this weekend will offer a chance to clear that clutter while helping local students and nonprofits. Good News Project is bringing its annual electronics recycling event back to Merrill on Friday and Saturday. Organizers call the weekend event a win-win, offering residents a safe way to dispose of unwanted electronics while raising funds for local outreach. There is a 49-cent-per-pound recycling fee, with proceeds going toward Good News Project programs like their Mobile HELP truck, which provides loaner medical equipment. New this year, they're also partnering with the Merrill Area School District's NESTs program. The initiative helps ensure students have access to basic necessities such as clothing, food, and school supplies so they can focus on learning and success in the classroom. Good News Project Director Christine Daniels says, "At Good News Project we are passionate about saving resources and helping people. This Merrill event allows us to do both." Over the past two decades, these efforts have also helped keep more than 4 million pounds of e-waste out of local landfills. They'll be set up at the Merrill Festival Grounds-Sell Building on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. We've got those details in the WJJQ Community Calendar as well.

Published on 06/04/2026 under News Tomahawk's National Night Out is still a few months away, but organizers are already busy working to grow the event in its third year. National Night Out is a nationwide campaign designed to strengthen relationships between first responders, local organizations, businesses, and the community through a fun, family-focused evening. The Tomahawk Chamber organizes the local event, which is scheduled for August 4. After the event doubled in size from year one to year two, Chamber Director Charis Lau says the goal is to build on that momentum. "This year we hope to continue growing the event and creating even more opportunities for local organizations to connect with families and visitors," Lau said. To encourage more participation, registration will be open to both Chamber members and non-members alike. Businesses, nonprofits, and community groups interested in taking part can contact the Tomahawk Chamber for more information. For community members looking to attend, you can expect interactive booths, children's activities, safety demonstrations, and food vendors.

Published on 06/04/2026 under News As summer travel, severe weather, and busy schedules begin to impact blood drives, the American Red Cross is encouraging donors to roll up their sleeves while warning of a typical drop in summer blood donations. The organization says summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times for blood collection. School breaks, family vacations, outdoor activities, extreme heat, and storms can all reduce donor turnout and cause blood drive cancellations. At the same time, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day often sees a greater demand for blood products due to seasonal accidents related to increased travel and recreational activities. The Red Cross says maintaining a strong blood supply is critical for trauma, surgery, and other patients who rely on transfusions. Those interested in donating blood can visit the Red Cross website to locate a drive nearby or schedule an appointment.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News A major housing development is moving forward in Tomahawk. At their meeting Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved a development agreement with S.C. Swiderski for a new 72-unit apartment complex on the city's east side. The project, located off of Comfort Drive, has been years in the making. Community Development Authority Chairman Roger Schlegel told council members the CDA has spent the last five years working through site challenges, including wetlands and the need for significant fill, to bring the project to fruition. Schlegel noted that rising construction costs and interest rates have made public incentives increasingly important in getting new housing projects like this built. Under the agreement, the CDA will transfer the property to the developer, who must begin construction by September and complete the project by 2028. The development is expected to have a minimum assessed value of $9.5 million. The developer will also be eligible for a $400,000 tax increment financing grant, but only after the city is reimbursed for its land acquisition costs through new tax revenue generated by the project. Construction is expected to begin this fall and take approximately 18 months to complete, adding 72 much-needed apartment units to Tomahawk's housing inventory. Mosinee-based SC Swiderski lists housing and apartment holdings in more than 30 communities around the state including Athens, Eagle River, Merrill, Medford, and Wausau.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has taken the first step toward restricting artificial wake enhancement on Lake Mohawksin. Council members on Tuesday introduced a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, and wake-shaping fins designed to create larger boat wakes. Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce shoreline erosion, protect private property, and limit the spread of invasive species. The proposal was recommended by the city's Parks and Recreation Committee and supported by the Friends of Lake Mohawksin. Traditional boating activities, including water skiing, tubing, and standard wakeboarding, would still be allowed. An exemption is also included for the Kwahamot Water Ski Club. Police Chief Al Elvins raised concerns about enforcement and noted that similar regulations adopted elsewhere in Wisconsin are currently facing legal challenges. This is just the beginning of the process. Before the ordinance can officially take effect, it must be reviewed by the DNR, face a public hearing, receive final council approval, and be matched by an identical ordinance from the Town of Bradley.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News Today is Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin, and safety officials are urging residents to prepare before summer temperatures spike. According to preliminary data from the State Department of Health Services, Wisconsin saw ten heat-related deaths and over one thousand emergency room visits last year. State emergency management and health officials say heat-related illness and death is preventable. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive...Now is the time to have a plan" To beat the heat this summer, ReadyWisconsin recommends staying in air-conditioned buildings during the hottest parts of the day, wearing loose clothing, and drinking plenty of water before you feel thirsty. They also issue a stark warning about vehicles: on an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can jump 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle. Pay attention to heat advisories, watches, and warnings. Be sure to check on vulnerable populations including children, older adults and outdoor workers when it gets hot, and look out for warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including confusion, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News A Price County man has drowned in what appears to be a tragic accident on an area lake. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Lac Sault Dore in the Town of Elk following reports of an unresponsive man in the water near a pontoon boat. The man's body was recovered and brought back to shore, where he was pronounced dead. Based on a preliminary investigation, it appears the man was filling the fuel tank on the pontoon when his leg became trapped in the boat ladder. He was unable to free himself from underwater. The victim has been identified as Stanley Gruszka of Phillips. The incident remains under investigation. This marks the fourth boat or water-related death in the Northwoods over the past three weeks.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News It was another busy day for local fire departments, as crews battled several wildfires across the region on Tuesday. While the Northwoods is finally starting to green up, an extremely dry month of May has kept fire conditions elevated. According to the Department of Natural Resources, crews responded to five wildfires on Tuesday alone, which burned just under five acres. Four of those fires occurred right here in our listening area in the Town of Bradley, Woodruff, Lac du Flambeau, and Land O' Lakes. Officials say standard debris burning was the usual culprit, causing three of those four area fires. The fourth was sparked by fireworks. Much of Wisconsin was listed under moderate or high fire danger on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that "abnormally dry" conditions are expanding, now covering forty percent of the state.

Published on 06/03/2026 under News Travelers and art lovers have a new reason to stop by the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport this summer. A new exhibition titled "A Passion for Nature" is now on display in the main terminal, featuring more than 14 original works by Lakewood artist Joan White. Presented through a partnership with ArtStart Rhinelander, the display showcases White's unique technique of painting transparent oil washes directly onto burl wood, blending wildlife into the natural grain of the wood. You don't need a boarding pass to view the gallery. The airport terminal is open to the general public, and parking is free for up to four hours. "A Passion for Nature" will remain on display at the airport from now through August 8th.

+ Read More