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Hatchet Swimmer Fall in Colby Dual Published on 09/29/2023 under Sports

The Hatchet girls' swim team suffered their third straight dual loss, this time at home to Colby 104-48.

Tomahawk, who came into the meet shorthanded, got two first-place finishes in the meet, coming from Dorian Stefan in the 500 yard relay and Morgan Kretschmar in the 100 yard breaststroke.

The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 2-3 on the season. They will be back in action for their next dual meet next Thursday at Ladysmith.

In Other News

DNR Launches Deer Sight/ Game Bird Survey

Published on 08/06/2026 under News The DNR is again asking the public to become citizen scientists and participate in a pair of wildlife surveys. Operation Deer Watch is an opportunity to help collect information on the state deer population. Whether in the woods, on the road, or other outdoor locations, participants are asked to record all buck, doe, and fawn sightings. The data provides biologists insight into the reproductive status of the herd and helps shape deer management in the state. In addition to Operation Deer Watch, which runs through September 30, the DNR also has another ongoing survey for game bird broods. Paul Frater is the DNR surveys coordinator. He says, "Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can get involved and collect data in your area. The more data that is collected, the better our understanding of game species abundance and distribution in Wisconsin." The surveys are simple and can be submitted via your phone, as long as you're not driving. More information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News If you're looking for an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth this month, downtown Rhinelander has you covered. Explore Rhinelander just launched its inaugural "Sweet Stop Stroll," partnering with six downtown businesses to offer a tour of local treats. Anyone who collects a stamp from all six participating spots will be entered into a drawing to win local prizes. According to Lauren Sackett with the Rhinelander Chamber, the stroll is meant to be a fun, interactive way for people of all ages to explore downtown, boost foot traffic, and support local retailers. People of all ages are invited to participate in this end-of-summer celebration, and there's no judgement if you go back for seconds. To get started, pick up a stamp card at the Rhinelander Chamber & Visitor Center or any participating business. You can also find more details linked on the Explore Rhinelander website.

Published on 08/06/2026 under News A local credit union continues to expand its footprint in North Central Wisconsin. This week, Park City Credit Union announced plans to open a new full-service branch in Stevens Point, located at the current Connexus Credit Union facility on Business Park Drive. Park City Credit Union is expected to officially purchase the property later this fall and open the branch to members soon afterward. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union, said, "We look forward to welcoming new members to the Park City Credit Union family and are eager to share the benefits of our financial products and services with the Stevens Point community." Back in May, Park City opened its first branch in Wausau. The credit union now serves seven communities, including Merrill, Tomahawk, Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Wisconsin Rapids.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News A staple of the Northwoods for nearly a century and a half, the Lincoln County Fair gets underway in Merrill today. Following its 140th-anniversary milestone last year, "Kickin' It Up" is the theme and they'll be celebrating America's 250th birthday alongside traditional fairground fun. Organizers say longtime favorites will return alongside several new additions, headlined by a fresh carnival setup from Mr. Ed's Magical Midway. The upgraded midway brings a lineup of new rides, including a towering Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the fairgrounds. Of course, classic fair staples remain front and center. Visitors can explore livestock and exhibit barns, play carnival games, indulge in iconic fair food, and support local organizations hosting their biggest fundraisers of the year. Live entertainment will fill the grounds throughout the week, highlighted by The Glam Band performing on the Crossbridge Community Bank Stage on Saturday. While the grounds are already open, The Lincoln County Fair officially kicks of at 5pm Wednesday and then runs daily through Sunday at the Merrill Fairgrounds. Admission is free, with on-site parking available for $5.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News Antique boat and motor enthusiasts are making their way to Tomahawk this week with the 46th Annual Antique Outboard Show. The event draws collectors and hobbyists from across the Midwest and beyond to showcase vintage and classic outboard motors and boats. Visitors can browse displays, a swap meet, watch competitions, and hear stories from enthusiasts who share a passion for preserving boating history. The Tomahawk show has long promoted itself with the slogan, "If you can't find it at Tomahawk, they probably never made it." Competitors will take part in various judging divisions, along with on-water events throughout the week. Beyond the boating, new this year, outdoor cooking personalities Mad Dog & Merrill of Midwest Grill'n will make a special appearance for a filmed cooking demonstration. That's coming up at 11:00 Wednesday morning. After collectors spent the first part of the week setting up and settling in, organizers say Wednesday and Thursday are the best days for spectators to stop by SARA Park, float through the displays, and take a trip down memory lane. Admission is free.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News One person is dead following a crash between a bicycle and a semi-truck in Langlade County on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Antigo Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 2:00 p.m. to the intersection of Superior Street and 10th Avenue for a reported collision. Bystanders rendered aid until first responders arrived. Unfortunately, the bicyclist—a 45-year-old Antigo man—was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending family notification. No other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation, with the Wisconsin State Patrol assisting in crash reconstruction.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News Smokey Bear is celebrating another birthday, and the Tomahawk Public Library helped mark the occasion with one of its annual summer traditions. As part of the library's weekly Stories by the River program, Smokey Bear made a special appearance Tuesday to meet with children, share wildfire prevention tips and celebrate his 82nd birthday month. While rain forced the event indoors, families still gathered to hear stories and learn about fire safety alongside Smokey and local firefighting partners. Smokey Bear first appeared on August 9, 1944, and has spent more than eight decades reminding Americans about the importance of preventing wildfires. His famous message has evolved from "Only YOU can prevent Forest Fires" to "Only YOU can prevent Wildfires." The Tomahawk Public Library is continuing the celebration throughout August with a Smokey and Friends-themed Bingo Reading and Activity Challenge, giving young readers another chance to learn about conservation and fire safety while enjoying books and activities.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News A planned road construction project in Lincoln County has been moved up on the calendar and will begin later this month. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced upcoming work on Highway 17 between WIS 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek in the Town of Merrill. Crews will remove and replace the existing pavement while also modifying the geometry of the County G and County C intersections. According to the announcement, the project was originally scheduled for next year but was bumped up due to deteriorating road conditions. During construction, WIS 17 will be closed to traffic, with a detour posted. An updated project timeline was not immediately available.

Published on 08/05/2026 under News Travelers in North Central Wisconsin will have to wait a little longer for a new flight option out of Mosinee. United Airlines has delayed the launch of its planned service between Central Wisconsin Airport and Chicago O'Hare. The airline originally planned to start flights this year. Airport officials say the decision is due to Federal Aviation Administration capacity limits at O'Hare, which have now been extended through October 2027. Those restrictions are capping new flights across United's network, affecting several regional airports throughout the Midwest. Officials said the delay is strictly an operational issue in Chicago, and not a lack of demand here at home. United says it remains committed to the Mosinee market and plans to launch the nonstop Chicago route as soon as those limits lift, tentatively set for November 2027. When United does take off at CWA, it will restore a route that ended in early 2022. It will also bring the airport back to offering all three major legacy carriers—United, American, and Delta—giving local travelers far more connection options worldwide.

Published on 08/04/2026 under News Tomahawk residents will once again have the chance to meet local first responders and enjoy a family-friendly evening as National Night Out returns to Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday. National Night Out is part of a nationwide campaign spanning more than four decades aimed at strengthening relationships between community members and public safety agencies. Two years ago, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce led the effort to bring the campaign to the area. Now in its third year, the local event continues to grow, featuring more than 20 interactive booths with obstacle courses, bounce houses, coloring stations, games, and activities for all ages. Attendees can also meet members of local law enforcement, fire crews, and EMS. Tomahawk Chamber Director Charis Lau says the event's success is made possible by strong support from local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members. Proceeds from the first two years have been donated to Tomahawk's volunteer fire departments to support their work in the area. Beyond public safety agencies, several other community groups and organizations will be present, including the WJJQ booth, along with a variety of local food vendors. National Night Out is free to attend and runs from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at Veterans Memorial Park.

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