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Hatchet Cross Country Team Sending One to State Published on 10/24/2022 under Sports

On Saturday, Tomahawk made the trek to Skyline Golf Course in Black River Falls, WI, to compete at the site of WIAA Division 2 Sectional Cross-Country Meet. The weather was absolutely perfect with an unnoticeable breeze with temperatures around 60 degrees at the hilly Skyline Golf Course. A total of 17 teams faced the Hatchets for the right to advance to Wisconsin Rapids next weekend for the WIAA State

Championships.

Kicking off the day's races were the girls, who ran the challenging course taking 3rd place. Missing out on going to state by one team. All was not bleak however as Rachael Reilly again earned her spot to compete individually at the WIAA State Meet as she led the team placing 4th overall in a time of 20:58. Continuing Tomahawk's legacy of being represented at the state meet making it the 28th time in a row (28 qualifying teams and 17 individual qualifiers). Rachael began the race in 6th place and made decisive moves to pace one runner each mile putting her amongst the elite girls of the sectional meet. The Hatchet ladies valiant effort was rounded out by teammates: sophomore Alli Palmer (16th-21:54), junior

Halle Derleth (21st-22:19), senior Morgan Hansmann (24th-22:41), junior Kambyl Mattke (30th-23:03), junior Robin Schmidt (34th-23:18), and senior Serena Reinke (57th-26:19). There were 89 finishers in the girls race.

Once again Medford won the meet with a score of 31 points followed by West Salem with 55 points and Tomahawk with 91 points. This completes the 2022 girls team season with a record of 90 teams beaten and 12 teams defeated by.

The Noon boys race would find the Hatchets squaring off against some of the finest Division 2 teams in the state. The tight race was won by Mauston with 72 points, followed by the other state qualifying team, West Salem with 78 points. The Hatchet boys would finish in 9th place with 208 points out of the 17 teams competing. The Hatchet boys were led by junior Presley Gutbrod who began the race in 34th place and managed to finish in 21st with a time of 18:33. The squad was completed with: junior Owen Dickrell (38th-19:14), Sam Zastrow (41st-19:20), senior Ty Anthes (48th-19:29), junior Brett Borchardt (60th-20:06), sophomore Jacob Riemer (84th-21:37), and senior Taje Casey (90th-22:14). A total of 111

athletes finished the boys sectional race. This wraps up the 2022 boys team season with a record of 74 teams beaten and 27 teams defeated by.

The Great Northern Conference will be well represented in Wisconsin Rapids next weekend. Along with the girls from Medford the boys from Lakeland also qualified (out of the Oconto Falls Sectional). Individual boys state qualifiers from Rhinelander, Antigo, Medford and girl's athletes from Mosinee, Tomahawk, and Northland Pines will be competing.

Next Saturday Rachael Reilly will represent Tomahawk at the WIAA State Cross-Country Championships at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. The Division II girls race begins at 12:40 pm.

In Other News

Rhinelander Students Unveiling Demos from Game Design and Development Lab Program

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander will show off their creativity this evening during a special game design showcase. The Game Design and Development Lab is part of the Culture Tap Artist Residency Program, a local partnership of the district community education program, Nicolet College, and ArtStart. This is the fourth year the district has offered this opportunity. Over the past two months, around two dozen middle and high school students have been meeting after school to design and build their own physical or digital games. Working in teams under the guidance of software engineer Jeremy Nikolai, the students took their initial concepts and created playable demos. Community education coordinator Mike Cheslock says, "It's wonderful that we are able to offer this opportunity to students who are interested in gaming, coding, art, and creativity." Coming up this evening the students will explain and demonstrate their games for the public. That showcase will take place in the Nicolet College Theater from 6pm to 7:30.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Tomahawk High School has plenty of spirit, and that's the focus of a new student club being established. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved the creation of a Tomahawk Spirit Club. The effort has been several years in the making, emerging from previous opportunities including cheer and dance. In introducing the idea, district administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that it has been growing in participation, with students putting in the time and effort. The Spirit Club is not competition-based; and would largely focus on the fall and winter seasons. Quesinberry added, "More clubs and opportunities we can offer to get more students involved is a goal." District policy involves a two year trial period. After few brief questions from the board, they voted unanimously in favor. _____ It was an otherwise routine Board meeting, A few other quick notes. In consent agenda, the board approved the hire of Brad Potter as the next High School Principal, effective at the start of the new school year. Potter comes from the Merrill School District. The district has been operating with an interim principal since December. We'll have a bit more on that hire in the coming days. The Board approved a staff position consolidation, combining the Community Education Coordinator with the Aquatics Learning Coordinator. Current staff member Megan Backes will take on those new duties. The district also made a couple of minor changes to next year's school calendar.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News The seasonal transition often brings floods to the state, and as spring returns emergency teams are reminding people to be prepared. This week has been declared Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Flooding can happen without warning, whether it's caused by heavy rain or snowmelt and is actually the most common natural disaster in Wisconsin. Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle "Take time now to understand flood risks in your area and learn the steps to take protect yourselves, loved ones and property from floods." While you can't stop rising waters, Ready Wisconsin shared some home tips that can help. That includes cleaning your gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from your home, and improve the grading and landscaping around your home to keep water from flowing away. Inside, store important records and other water prone items in a waterproof container in upper levels rather than the basement. If your home experiences flooding, your health department can provide proper cleaning and disinfection guidelines and other resources. When a flood happens, never drive or walk through the waters. Officials note that as little as six inches of fast-moving water can sweep an adult off their feet, while 12 inches can carry away a small car.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News If you've been feeling a little more tired than usual this week, the recent Daylight Saving Time change could be playing a role, but it could be an underlying health issue. Health experts say shifts in sleep patterns are common as we age. Dakota Lundstrom, a primary care provider with Aspirus Health, says sleep disturbances affect a large number of people whether difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Lundstrom says as many as 40 to 50 percent of patients report sleep problems at some point, with Middle-aged adults are among those most likely to notice the effects. Doctors say one key warning sign to watch for is excessive daytime sleepiness. Examples include unintentionally falling asleep, struggling to stay awake even after naps, or having trouble concentrating. Another concern is loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep, which can signal sleep apnea. The condition increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke if left untreated. Sleep problems can also appear after starting some medications. While some changes in sleep are normal, persistent issues shouldn't be ignored and may warrant a conversation with your provider, especially if they are impacting daily life.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Northwoods Counties were the largest beneficiary in the annual County Forest Road Aid from the state. The Department of Transportation announced that assistance this past week. Overall, 24 Wisconsin counties will share in a little more $320,000 to maintain and improve public roads in county forests. The County Forest Road Aid is separate from the General Transportation Aid.The qualifying roads meet a number of criteria and cannot be town roads, county or state highways. Statewide, more than 900 miles of roads qualified. Locally, Lincoln County claimed 27 miles, good for about $9,500. Oneida County's 39 miles received a little more than $13,000. Vilas County has around 50 miles which received $17,000. Marinette County, with more than 240 miles of designated roads, received about a quarter of the overall funding. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. "WisDOT is proud to work with our county partners to continue to improve these forest roads and make good investments in our local transportation infrastructure." According to the announcement, data shows that county forests around the state generate approximately $40 to 50 million in timber revenues, resulting in approximately 16,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in forest products production.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News With the spring election quickly approaching, a Northwoods organization is encouraging local candidates to share their views with voters through an online guide. The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is inviting county board supervisor candidates in Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas counties, along with school board candidates in Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River, Merrill, and Tomahawk, to participate in the nonpartisan voter guide available at VOTE411.org. The guide allows candidates to answer questions about issues important to the community so voters can compare positions ahead of Election Day. Participation is free and candidates' responses appear in their own words. The guide is sponsored statewide by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and is expected to go live March 15. Organizers say thousands of Wisconsin voters use the site to find unbiased information about candidates and ballot races before heading to the polls. The Wisconsin Spring Election will take place on Tuesday April 7.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Police Department has brought back a popular fundraiser to support their K9 program. The Tomahawk Police Department recently announced the limited sale of Pipo challenge coins. For those unfamiliar, Pipo is a seven year old yellow lab who has served as the TPD K-9 officer the past five years. The collectible coin is designed in the shape of a paw print and also features the Tomahawk Police Department and K9 logo. This isn't the first collector's item featuring the pup. They sold similar coins last fall, and they've previously sold Pipo-inspired plush toys. Since it's launch, the Tomahawk K-9 unit has been funded outside of the department's budget through grants, community contributions, and fundraisers which are used on training, certification, and other program costs. The Pipo Challenge Coins are being sold at the police department front desk.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News Like clockwork, a pairs of camera friendly peregrine falcons have returned to their nesting boxes around the state. Wisconsin Public Service announced that peregrine falcons have started to show up on their nest cams including the Weston Plant near Wausau. For a third year in a row, Sheldon has been joined by an unbanded female at the Weston Plant. Last year they produced three new chicks. For more than three decades, WPS and WE Energies have played a crucial role in the successful recovery of the state's peregrine falcon populations. More than 400 chicks have hatched at these facilities, making up an estimated 20 percent of Wisconsin's current wild peregrine falcon populations. The Weston Plant nest has seen more than 40. Each spring, via webcams, the public has a chance to follow along these birds from egg to first flight. As for the timeline, the eggs are typically laid between late March and Mid-April. They'll hatch about 5 weeks later. The fledglings will be named and banded before they eventually leave the nest.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News A Northwoods business is in the running for a downtown makeover contest. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has announced the three finalists for its annual Main Street Makeover, a program that awards up to $10,000 and professional design help to transform a downtown storefront. Among the finalists is The Brew Station in Three Lakes. The business and gathering spot, owned by Dan and Gina Stehl, has become a destination for both locals and visitors to enjoy craft beers in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The business actually won a WEDC Outdoor Patio Makeover in 2023. The outdoor space is coupled with a cozy, Northwoods-themed interior. Now they're hoping, if selected, the storefront redesign will better this welcoming atmosphere. If selected, the makeover would focus on upgrades like new signage, lighting, and a redesigned entrance to help draw more people into the business while strengthening the character of downtown Three Lakes. The Brew Station is competing against Christel's Pet Supplies & More in Kiel and Blue Heron Antiques in Waupun. The winner will work with consultants from Studio GWA, Inc. on a renovation plan before a reveal of the storefront transformation later this spring. The winner of the 2026 Main Street Makeover Contest is expected to be announced later this month.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk STAR Foundation continues to support the community. They recently provided a grant to a program that offers opportunity for those with neurodivergence or autism in the community. Islands of Brilliance is based in Milwaukee, but they've been setting up hubs and regional locations around the state. In 2024, the program was brought to the Tomahawk. They've partnered with the Public Library, which hosts the twice-monthly meetings. They offer creative, technology-based workshops for autistic young adults in the community. It allows them to connect socially with peers and work on interest-driven creative projects. In announcing the grant, the STAR Foundation said, "Programs like IOB are especially meaningful in rural communities where inclusive spaces and resources for neurodivergent young adults are limited." Speaking of the STAR Foundation, their Best Burger in Paradise fundraiser is back. We'll have some board members on the morning conversation coming up on Thursday to discuss this year's promotion, and some of the changes they've made. Cards are currently on sale, and we've got some here at the WJJQ studios.

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