WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Both Tomahawk CC Squads Place Second in Medford Meet Published on 09/29/2023 under Sports

The Hatchet cross country squads came away with top two finishes in their meet at Medford Thursday afternoon.

Both squads placed second out of five teams in the meet. Tomahawk's boys' top finisher was Presley Gutbrod, who placed fifth overall with a time of 18:14. Sam Zastrow and Domonic Boos placed ninth and tenth, respectively, with times of 18:47 and 18:56.

The girls also had three runners finish in the top ten. Elise Gibeault placed fifth with a time of 21:10. Placing sixth overall was Alli Palmer with a time of 21:15 and placing ninth was Rachael Reilly with a time of 22:05.

Tomahawk's next meet will be their final regular season meet at Inshalla Country Club next Saturday. We will provide live updates on the meet from Inshalla on WJJQ.

In Other News

National Weather Service Offering Free Storm Spotter Classes

Published on 04/07/2026 under News The past few weeks have shown a good example of Wisconsin's ever changing weather. The National Weather Service is offering another opportunity to learn more, while also playing a key role in citizen reporting. The National Weather Service Green Bay is offering 2026 Skywarn storm spotter training with five virtual sessions available in April. The free training is open to anyone across northern Wisconsin and will focus on severe weather safety and the basics of storm spotting—teaching participants how to safely identify and report things like large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Officials say trained spotters play a critical role, providing real-time ground reports that help meteorologists issue more accurate warnings and keep communities safe. Each class is around an hour and a half, and attendees only need to participate in one. More information and registration details can be found on the National Weather Service Green Bay website.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News An Antigo man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit over the weekend that ended in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, deputies were advised by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office of a chase in progress. They said the suspect was traveling north on Highway 51 into Lincoln County. LISO deputies were able to deploy tire deflation devices, disabling the vehicle. A short distance later, the suspect, Patrick Finnegan of Antigo, stopped his vehicle, but allegedly began walking away. A police K9 was deployed to help take Finnegan into custody. According to court records, he is charged with tampering with a GPS tracking device, fleeing and officer, and bail jumping in Marathon County Court.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News Formal charges have been filed against a Lincoln County man arrested following an investigation into possessing child pornography. According to court records, Patrick Gryskiewicz, made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Court Monday. The 58 year old is facing 10 counts of possessing child pornography. Gryskiewicz was arrested last week after deputies investigated a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They traced CSAM activity to an IP address connected to his home. A search warrant was executed at the home, where deputies reported recovering multiple child sexual abuse materials. At Monday's hearing, bond was set at $100,000. An adjourned initial appearance was scheduled for May 6.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News The spring elections are coming up Tuesday. In addition to local races, voters in the city of Tomahawk will decide on a levy referendum. After several consecutive years of difficult decisions to balance their budget, the Tomahawk City Council placed the spending request on the spring ballot. The City is seeking a 20% increase to the base levy, which amounts to approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. The state largely restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. Ahead of the vote, city leaders hosted three public informational sessions in an effort to educate voters on why they are seeking the additional fund. They noted that costs have outpaced levy growth, while also discussing potential cuts if the referendum is not approved. While referendum questions have been common for school districts around the state, more municipalities are turning to them in recent years. Voters in the Town of Minocqua approved a referendum in 2024. As for Tomahawk, voters will ultimately decide on a ballot that will also feature a mayor, city council, school board and county board races. We'll have a ballot preview on election day.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News The Oneida County Health Department is inviting the community to take action and prioritize their well-being as part of National Public Health Week. This year's theme, "Ready. Set. Action!" highlights the importance of small, everyday steps that can lead to healthier communities. Public health officials say their work goes far beyond clinics and hospitals, focusing on preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring safe environments for everyone. From restaurant safety and vaccinations to emergency preparedness and health education, public health efforts play a role in daily life across Oneida County. To mark the week, the Oneida County Health Department is hosting a variety of events and activities highlighted by a pop-up clinic on Wednesday (at the YMCA of the Northwoods) where they will offer services like free blood pressure screenings, mental health assessments, and heart-healthy snacks. They've also partnered with some local coffee shops to offer specialty drinks this week, they'll post online trivia and a virtual scavenger hunt, and some free goodie bags Friday at the Health Department. Officials say the goal is simple: encourage people to take small, meaningful steps to help build a stronger, more connected community.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News Hunters and landowners across northern Wisconsin have a couple of opportunities to weigh in on how the state manages its deer herd. The DNR is teaming up with local Citizen Deer Advisory Councils to gather public feedback ahead of the 2026 deer season. Input will help shape decisions on harvest quotas, season structure and other key management tools. State wildlife officials say this process allows for more localized decision-making. Each deer management unit has its own advisory council, which meets annually to review herd data, including harvest numbers and winter conditions. The Northern Forest Zone will be working with the updated, habitat-based management units, which replaced the county-based system. The first opportunity for public input opened over the weekend via the online feedback. That period runs through Sunday April 12. Then, the last two weeks of April, each CDAC will hold a local meeting where attendees can review data, discuss herd health and share concerns. Final recommendations will be presented to the Natural Resources Board in June for approval ahead of the fall hunting season.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News It's that time of year when bears will be emerging from their winter slumber. The DNR is encouraging folks to 'Be Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. Every spring, Wisconsin's estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor, leaving their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. The 'Be Bear Aware' campaign encourages people to limit attractants that may draw bears in to unwanted locations. According to the DNR, black bears are known for returning to spots where they've found good food sources, and prevention is the best tactic. Some common reminders if you are in bear territory:• Garbage and recycling containers. If stored outdoors rinse them out occasionally • Remove bird feeders when bears are active • Store pet food inside, and bring their food dishes in after feeding • Regularly clean grills, smokers, and picnic areas Experts also offered a few tips if you encounter a bear. In your yard, ensure it has a clear escape route, then try and scare it away with loud noises. If you encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and make your self big, while slowly backing away. Try to stay calm and do not run. The DNR has additional information on Be Bear Aware on their website.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Highway 51 project near Tomahawk begins this week that will require a temporary detour. Construction crews will start work on US 51 between US Highway 8 and Oneida County L. This project involves repairing concrete pavement, resurfacing the asphalt and bridge repairs. The first phase of the project will include a full closure and detour. That's scheduled to begin this week and run through mid-May. Phase 2, the duration of the summer, work will continue, but Highway 51 is expected to remain open with single lane closures. A few other quick reminders on Northwoods road construction… The Highway 86/County D overpass over Highway 51 in Tomahawk is also currently closed due to bridge work.Work also began last week on Highway 51 in Minocqua. At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout the summer-long project.Drivers can check 511 Wisconsin for updates and ongoing and upcoming road construction projects and traffic impacts.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Tomahawk native and THS Grad is making the most of her education participating in a national competition. Haley Liebelt, a student at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, recently competed in the 2026 Operation Stimulus Supply Chain Case Competition, held at Colorado State University. Liebelt, an operations and supply chain management major from Tomahawk, was one of five UW-Whitewater students selected to take part in the national event, which brings together 20 top college teams from across the country to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world industry challenges. Now in its 43rd year, the competition is considered the longest-running of its kind in North America, highlighting emerging talent and connecting students with industry leaders. Back on campus, Liebelt also serves as president of UW-Whitewater's Association for Supply Chain Management, helping lead fellow students interested in the growing field.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News As cleanup continues from yesterday's ice storm, thousands are still without power, and another round of winter weather could be on the way. According to an update provided by Wisconsin Public Service last evening, crews had already restored electricity to more than 44,000 customers. As of daybreak Friday, more than 21,000 customers remain in the dark. Spokesman Matt Cullen says crews are working around the clock to repair widespread damage caused by heavy ice and strong winds, including downed lines, broken poles, and trees tangled in electrical equipment. The hardest-hit areas include parts of central and northeast Wisconsin, though outages are scattered across the Northwoods as well. Adding to the challenge, another round of ice is in the forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning, which could bring additional outages, especially further north in the service area. WPS says it appreciates the public's patience as crews continue working nonstop to get the lights back on. Customers can track restoration updates through the WPS app or online outage map, though officials warn repair times may change as crews assess damage. (Photo provided by Wisconsin Public Service: Icy storm damage in Stevens Point on April 2, 2026)

+ Read More