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Hatchet Hockey Team Wins Their 10th Game of Year Published on 01/19/2024 under Sports

Tomahawk's hockey team notched their third shutout of the season Thursday night, defeating Pacelli, 10-0. The Hatchets unleashed their lethal offensive attack in the first and second periods, including the Dickens brothers recording hat tricks. Austin Lamer got five points on the night, including a goal and four assists. It was also a milestone night as Mason Jaecks notched his first career goal in his high school career.

The win puts Tomahawk at 10-6 on the season and 6-0 in Great Northern Conference play. This is also the first time the Hatchets have notched double-digit wins in back-to-back seasons since 2017-18.

The Hatchets will be back in action for their final home game of the regular season tonight against Oshkosh. Zach Garner and Alex Koch will have the broadcast with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:35 and opening faceoff at 7:00 tonight.

In Other News

Lincoln Hills Compliant with All Court Ordered Reforms

Published on 10/03/2025 under News For the first time, Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake have met compliance with all court-ordered reforms. The state youth correctional facilities, located in Lincoln County, have been visited by a court-approved monitor quarterly to review and assess progress towards implementing 50 reforms ranging from meeting staffing levels and training to the use of solitary confinement, pepper spray and mechanical restraints. In the latest quarterly report, released this week, all goals have now been met. The facility must continue to meet compliance for several consecutive reports before the DOC is able to petition the court to end the current monitoring requirements. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy said, "We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and hard work from all of the staff and our Division of Juvenile Corrections leadership. "This is a great achievement in a long journey during which we've made tremendous strides in creating a better atmosphere for staff and youth." During the latest report, the monitor noted that youth attitudes were positive, and staff continued to provide an exceptionally clean and safe environment. In the long term, the state is working towards building smaller, regional youth correction facilities. The first, in the Milwaukee area, is set to open next year. Once youth are relocated, the plan is to convert the Lincoln Hills campus to an adult correctional facility.

Published on 10/03/2025 under News The Northwoods is turning into an artistic display of reds, oranges and yellows splashed across the landscape. Despite the unseasonably weather, we're right in the middle of our peak fall colors. A number of factors play into the timing and vibrancy of the fall colors, and we've met many of those conditions this year. That starts with the tree itself, as the species, health, and leaf volume will all impact fall colors. Outside factors also play a role like temperature, day length and precipitation totals. Ecologists note that the most brilliant displays are typically the result of bright daytime sun and cool, but frost-free evenings. Of course, calm conditions also keep the leaves on the trees for a longer period of time. Peak fall color usually occurs in northern Wisconsin during the last week of September and first week of October, central Wisconsin colors are typically a week or two behind. Travel Wisconsin has their annual Fall Color Tracker available with many Northwoods communities 50 to 75% color. A number of local areas are featured as Travel Wisconsin fall color viewing destinations including Timms' Hill, Rib Mountain, and the Ice Age Trail. Among the hidden gems, the Bearskin/Hiawatha Trail corridor is often highlighted for bikers and hikers looking to enjoy the colors including from the trail's many trestles.

Published on 10/03/2025 under News A local fire department will be opening up the station to the public this weekend. To kick off Fire Prevention week, the Tomahawk Fire Department is hosting an open house on Sunday. The event will offer a chance for people to meet the firefighters, check out the equipment, and support the agency that keeps our communities safe. We caught up with Captain Kevin Krueger to talk about this weekend's event as well as the continued need for more members to serve in various capacities at the volunteer department. Krueger noted the Open House returns after around 20 years, thanks largely, to their newly formed Auxiliary. As for what people can expect...Krueger says the firefighters will be on hand and approachable for both kids and adults to meet the team and ask questions. They'll also have on display their gear, tools, and vehicles. But the event will also serve as a fundraiser, as the agency is looking to purchase new air monitors. Krueger explained they use the monitors to help test buildings for pollutants like carbon monoxide. In addition to the free hot dog lunch, the Auxiliary will be selling baked goods, some raffles, and even Tomahawk Fire Department shirts. The Tomahawk FD Open House will be Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Published on 10/03/2025 under News A local farm is celebrating harvest season by once again opening their field to local vendors. Tranquil Acres is gearing up for their Home Town, Home Made, Home Grown, Hoe Down. While their unique farm is still open for the season, owners Bill and Heather Smith, have also been busy preparing their fields for tomorrow's festivities. For those unfamiliar, Tranquil Acres, located just south of Tomahawk, follows the mantra 'take what you need, pay what you can.' They allow visitors to learn where their food comes from by getting their hands dirty and picking produce themselves. It's a small, family and friends run operation, and that's also the type of vendors they've invited to take part in the Hoe Down. And there will be a little something for everyone including artists, food, and woodworking. Whether that means a purchase for yourself or gifts for others, they note, "It's all about celebrating and supporting the little guy." They'll also have plenty of entertainment and children's activities along with their usual nature trails and green space. For those that would like to check out the Hoe Down, it's on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Published on 10/03/2025 under News Wisconsin can be called the cranberry capital of the US, producing twice as much as the next state. This weekend, the tiny, tart fruit will be showcased in the Northwoods. Cranberry Fest is returning to Eagle River for its 45th edition, and the Chamber says around 45,000 people attend the the two day event each year. While central Wisconsin grows the most, Northern Wisconsin is also a major producer. Lincoln, Price, Oneida and Vilas Counties account for more than 2,200 acres of cranberry marshes. Just a few highlights for the weekend include area marsh tours, wine tasting, a farmer's market and more than 250 booths for their craft fair. There will be plenty of cran-foods and beverages with past treats including meatballs, fritters, cheesecakes, soda, and beer. Of course, you can purchase your own cranberries as well. Some 10,000 pounds of fresh cranberries are also sold at Cran Fest. The festival is centered at the Vilas County fairgrounds, with additional events at satellite locations including marshes, wineries, and downtown Eagle River.

Published on 10/03/2025 under News The DNR is hoping ATV/UTV operators use the lessons learned during a Labor Day weekend enforcement campaign all year long. Wardens and Rec Deputies teamed up for the 5th annual Think Smart Before You Start ATV/UTV education and enforcement campaign. They said they were able to interact with more than 1,600 operators and riders. While they conducted necessary arrests for operating while intoxicated, they also had hundreds of educational discussions on safety regulations and operation guidelines. The top three citations of the Labor Day campaign involved lack of helmet wear, non-use of seatbelts and illegal highway operation. That's a trend they see throughout the year.

Published on 10/03/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's cross country squads each came away with top ten finishes in their invite at Athens Thursday. The Hatchet girls placed fourth out of 14 teams. Tomahawk's top finisher was Abbie Rosenmeier, who placed tenth overall with a time of 21:36. The Hatchet boys placed seventh overall. Caiden Reichelt finished as Tomahawk's top runner, placing 31st with a time of 19:13. The Hatchets will have their final regular season meet of the year next Saturday at Hatchet Field. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show at 9:40 and opening events at 10:00.

Published on 10/03/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swim squad would fall in a Great Northern Conference dual meet at Medford Thursday, losing 121-43. The Hatchets would fail to crack a first-place finish in any of their events. Tomahawk had second place finishes in the 200 medley relay, 500 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay, the 100 backstroke, and the 400 freestyle relay. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 2-4 on the year. The Hatchets' final dual meet of the season is next Thursday against Merrill.

Published on 10/02/2025 under News Beer and bacon are a mouth watering combination. The two menu items will be featured heavily in a new event making a debut in Tomahawk this weekend. WaWui is hosting their first Beer and Bacon Bash on Saturday evening. The event is described as a celebration of local flavor, fun, and philanthropy. They've arranged to have a selection of craft and domestic options at their beer garden along with some food trucks featuring bacon-themed treats. In addition to the food, they'll have plenty of entertainment like live music and campfires. All proceeds from the Beer and Bacon Bash will go right back into the SARA Park facility. Organizers note it'll be a great time while supporting a great cause. For those unfamiliar, WaWui is the volunteer-led group that supports and operates the facilities at SARA Park in Tomahawk. The building is used by people of all ages and interests including hockey and figure skating; pickleball; bingo; celebrations and rentals. It also serves as a major hub for Fall Ride. Earlier this year, WaWui announced an optimistic capital campaign for a number of planned projects in the coming years to maintain and upgrade the facility. They encourage people to stop by and support the organization. The Beer and Bacon Bash is Saturday from 5pm to 9pm at SARA Park.

Published on 10/02/2025 under News The YMCA of the Northwoods could be coming to another local community through a partnership with an existing facility. The area YMCA branch would work with Lakeland Fitness and Golf Center in Woodruff. YMCA of the Northwoods CEO Linda May says, "Exploring a potential Lakeland YMCA is a natural extension of our commitment to making healthy living and community connection more accessible." Lakeland Fitness and Golf Owners John and Shelly Weis said, "Our family is excited to explore the possibility of bringing a YMCA to the Lakeland community...Partnering with Lakeland Fitness and Golf Center as Phase 1 of this project allows us to build on an already strong foundation of health and wellness." The plan is to work closely with local leaders, community members, and partners to better understand the needs of the Lakeland area and determine how a YMCA could best serve the region, exploring one location where an entire family can benefit. Over the coming months, the YMCA of the Northwoods and Lakeland Y Steering Committee will conduct listening sessions, community needs assessments, pre-concept design, and stakeholder conversations to explore the feasibility of the project. The YMCA of the Northwoods has two Rhinelander-based facilities as well as the Flambeau River Y in Park Falls which opened earlier this year.

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