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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

Upcoming Tomahawk Area Pool Tournament Supports Veterans, Honor Flight

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Some of the top billiard players in the Northwoods and beyond will face off in Tomahawk this weekend, all to support a great cause. With Veterans Day approaching, the community is hosting a mixed-doubles, 8-ball pool tournament. Proceeds will benefit the local Never Forgotten Honor Flight, an organization dedicated to transporting local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Ahead of the event, we spoke with organizers, including Misty Bergsrud. The mission hits close to home for her family: Bergsrud served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where she met her husband, a fellow service member. That background makes raising funds for veteran organizations, especially those serving older veterans, deeply meaningful to her. After nearly doubling proceeds in each of the tournament's first two years, organizers hope to build on that momentum with strong community and business support. This year's event features more than 70 raffle baskets, including several high-ticket items. Though player spots in the tournament are fully booked, organizers encourage community members to come out, cheer on the players, and buy raffle tickets. The local VFW will serve as raffle headquarters, with pool matches hosted across roughly a dozen area taverns.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to keep their dollars close to home. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber is bringing back its annual "Loyal to Local" campaign. While the program previously ran during the summer, organizers shifted the focus to November to highlight local spending during the peak holiday shopping months. The initiative aims to showcase how everyday purchasing decisions impact the local economy. Studies show that approximately sixty-eight dollars of every one hundred dollars spent at an independent local business remains in the community, compared to just forty-three dollars spent at a chain store. Chamber C-E-O Lauren Sackett emphasizes that shopping small is an opportunity to explore everything the area has to offer. She says,"We encourage residents and visitors to find new favorites and remember local businesses when making everyday spending decisions." Residents are also invited to take the "Loyal to Local" pledge by committing to spend at least fifty dollars at a business they don't typically visit. Organizers estimate that if every Rhinelander resident took the pledge, it would generate over four hundred fourteen thousand dollars in local revenue. Community members who complete the pledge will be entered into a drawing for a local prize package. Beyond the pledge, the Chamber notes other ways to participate include sharing favorite businesses on social media, leaving positive reviews, and giving the gift of Chamber bucks which keeps spending within the community.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Despite a challenging Election Day for Republicans statewide, Representative Calvin Callahan won re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, though he will return to Madison under a vastly different political landscape. Callahan's victory on Tuesday secures his fourth term representing the 35th Assembly District. However, with Democrats taking control of the Capitol, Callahan will serve in the Assembly minority for the first time in his political career. Speaking after his win, Callahan thanked Northwoods voters for continuing to trust him to bring their voices to Madison, crediting his campaign's focus on local cost-of-living issues. He said, "This race was about affordability, lower taxes, lower utility bills, and lower health care costs." Looking ahead to his new role in the minority, Callahan pledged to remain a strong advocate for his constituents. "With a Democrat trifecta, I'll keep standing up for your home," Callahan said. "I'll vote no on tax increases, keep pushing to lower costs, and work across the aisle to do what's right for the Northwoods."

Published on 11/05/2026 under News Fresh off another busy election week, the Town of Nokomis is preparing for a major transition in local leadership. Though her name was not on the ballot on Tuesday, longtime Town Clerk Wendi Smith has announced she is stepping down after nearly 19 years of service to the township. Over the past two decades, Smith has served as a steady administrative pillar in Nokomis, overseeing municipal recordkeeping, town board operations, and dozens of local elections. In a farewell message to the community, Smith expressed her deep appreciation to residents for their support, trust, and cooperation throughout her tenure. "Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and to serve this community," Smith said. "I leave with a grateful heart and treasured memories." As town officials prepare for the upcoming administrative transition, Smith extended her best wishes for the community's continued success and prosperity, capping off nearly two decades of commitment to the people of Nokomis.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has officially given its final stamp of approval to the city's updated Emergency Management ordinance. Council members voted unanimously and without further discussion at their Tuesday meeting to adopt the measure, which modernizes local disaster response guidelines and cleans up the language in the municipal code. The updated ordinance establishes a clear chain of command during widespread emergencies, naming the Mayor as the city's Local Emergency Management Director. Delegating overall direction to the mayor ensures police and fire chiefs can stay focused on hands-on operational duties when disaster strikes. The measure also better defines when and how a local state of emergency can be declared. The measure was recommended by the Health and Safety Committee at their meeting in September, and introduced to the Council at their meeting last month.The vote followed a public hearing in which no members of the public spoke.

Published on 11/05/2026 under News A major fundraising effort is paving the way for a brand-new neonatal intensive care unit at Marshfield Children's Hospital. Thanks to community support and donations led by the Sanford Health Foundation, more than 12.5 million dollars has been raised to construct a modern, family-centered N-I-C-U. The effort included more than 1.6 million dollars committed by emeritus physicians and leaders. The new facility will feature 26 private rooms—more than double the size of the current unit—allowing parents to stay overnight with their infants. The space will also incorporate cutting-edge medical technology, research integration with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, and support services like music therapy and child life programs in partnership with the Children's Miracle Network. Marshfield Clinic President and C-E-O Dr. Brian Hoerneman says the project reflects a shared commitment to local families, ensuring infants receive world-class care close to home in Northern and Central Wisconsin. Construction on the new N-I-C-U is scheduled to begin in late 2027.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Despite a strong blue wave across the country, seats in Northern Wisconsin are staying red. Starting in the 7th congressional district, twenty-six-year-old Republican Michael Alfonso defeated Democrat Fred Clark, holding the seat for the GOP. Alfonso becomes the youngest member of the House, making history as the first Gen Z member of Congress born in the 21st century. In a statement following his victory, Alfonso thanked voters across the Northwoods, emphasizing his primary goal of keeping the region affordable so young families can stay, work, and thrive. He also noted that his age provides a fresh perspective on the issues facing everyday Americans. While new to Capitol Hill, Alfonso enters office with family ties in this district. His father-in-law, former Congressman Sean Duffy, represented the Northwoods for eight years before stepping down in 2019. Alfonso succeeds outgoing Congressman Tom Tiffany, who did not seek re-election, instead turning his attention towards his ultimately unsuccessful bid for governor. It ends a fifteen year stretch representing Northern Wisconsin across the State Assembly, State Senate, and U.S. House. Wisconsin's overall congressional delegation now stands at 4-4 after Democratic flips in District 1 and 3. Republican incumbents also won a pair of local assembly seats with Calvin Callahan defeating Elizabeth McCrank in the 35th district, while Rob Swearingen surpassed Merlin Van Buren in the 34th.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Preliminary election results point to mixed outcomes for North Central Wisconsin schools seeking additional funding. In the Edgar School District, voters approved a five-year extension of their existing one-point-four million dollar annual referendum. In the Athens School District, voters leaned in favor of a six hundred thousand dollar annual operational referendum over the next four years. Meanwhile, preliminary numbers show the Minocqua J1 School District's three-point-five million dollar recurring operational referendum was defeated. The measure sought to exceed state revenue limits starting in 2027 to support MHLT and its partner charter schools. Statewide, more than seventy Wisconsin school districts had funding questions on Tuesday's ballot, reflecting a growing rely on local referendums to cover operational costs across the state.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News We are still roughly 50 days from Christmas, but Northwoods volunteers are already busy preparing a global gift-giving outreach. While simple in concept, Operation Christmas Child makes a massive impact on children around the world. Ahead of every holiday season, volunteers fill shoeboxes with small gifts, school supplies, toys, and hygiene items, which are then distributed to children in need. Maria Nakala is the regional coordinator overseeing collections across six Northwoods counties. She stopped by the WJJQ studios this week to drop off supplies and talk about the program, which she has been part of for roughly 25 years, getting involved, she says, simply "to bring joy." Nakala noted that everyday items we often take for granted, like a washcloth or a notebook, can be deeply meaningful to a child. Even what she calls a "wow item" can be as simple as a stuffed animal or a soccer ball. When it comes to packing the boxes, Nakala added that hosting a packing afternoon is a great group activity for friends and family, noting that she often packs boxes alongside her own children and grandchildren. To ensure all gifts arrive in time for Christmas, local effort is already underway. Instructional pamphlets are available now at the WJJQ office, and full details can be found online at the Operation Christmas Child website. The Rock Church on Kaphaem Rd will serve as a local collection point.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News The Tomahawk Common Council finalized changes to the city's room tax ordinance during its meeting last night, approving the second reading of the measure. The updated ordinance was amended to raise the city's room tax rate from 4% to 5%; while also establishing stronger oversight and updating and clarifying language. The ordinance was approved by voice vote following a quiet public hearing with no comments. As outlined in state law, a majority of the revenue generated from the room tax supports tourism promotion and development designed to draw overnight visitors. The city currently partners with the Tomahawk Chamber to distribute those funds. A companion ordinance that would formally establish a City Tourism Commission was left off last night's agenda. Officials are withholding final action on the commission while awaiting decisions from neighboring townships, which are currently exploring their own room tax proposals. Waiting on neighboring municipalities leaves open the potential for a joint, regional commission to manage tourism funds across participating local governments.

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