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Hatchet Baseball Team Loses Season Opener Published on 04/02/2024 under Sports

Tomahawk's baseball squad opened up the 2024 season on a sour note, losing at non-conference opponent Marathon Monday evening 11-0.

The Hatchets started their season getting shut out, a similar theme to the team that struggled last season. Tomahawk starts their season off 0-1.

The Hatchets are scheduled to have their home opener today against Crandon, pending weather. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field. Stay tuned to WJJQ for more updates.

In Other News

New Organization in Tomahawk Supports Families Impacted by Down Syndrome; ‘Meat' and Greet Sunday

Published on 04/09/2026 under News A new organization in the Northwoods is working to build connection, support, and hope for families with Down Syndrome. And there is an opportunity this weekend to learn more, support the mission, and meet those already involved. Hope Beyond 21 is a newly formed nonprofit based in the Tomahawk area, created to support families within a 100-mile radius who have loved ones with Down syndrome. Led by president Hannah Wallis, vice president Molly Rundle, and secretary Tiffany Schauer, they were inspired by their own connections to Down syndrome family friends. We caught up with the trio to learn more about their story and their mission. They said one of their biggest goals right now is simply bringing families together, something they've already started to do, connecting families through social media and outreach. That connection is critical, especially for parents navigating new diagnoses or challenges. The group is also working to grow its impact through fundraising to eventually provide additional support for families. One of their first events, last month, was postponed due to a snowstorm. But the "Cash, Cattle and Chromosome" fundraiser was rescheduled for this Sunday at Silverado in Tomahawk. The event will feature meat raffles, 50/50 drawings, a bake sale, and food, with proceeds going toward building resources for families in need. In just a few short months, they said the community response to Hope Beyond 21 has been overwhelming. They've even designed merch featuring their Hope Beyond 21 chromosome logo and slogan 'Beyond Labels, Beyond Limits, Beyond Measure. Anyone interested in learning more, volunteering, contributing can reach out through their Facebook page or simply stop by their fundraiser on Sunday.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News As vape products continue to grow in popularity, so does the problem of what happens when they're tossed away. Local groups in Marathon County are teaming up this April for Vape Disposal Month, encouraging residents to safely get rid of nicotine vapes instead of throwing them in the trash. Partners include: Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin, Marathon County Health Department and Marathon County Solid Waste. Officials say discarded vapes pose a serious environmental and safety risk. Many contain lithium-ion batteries and leftover liquid, which can contaminate soil and water, or even spark fires at waste facilities, something they have seen locally. To help reduce those risks, Marathon County residents can drop off nicotine vapes for free throughout April at designated sites in the Wausau area, including the Good News Project, Marathon County Health Department and the Marathon County Solid Waste Department. Organizers hope the effort not only keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, but also raises awareness about the environmental impact of a product many people don't think twice about once it's used up.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News Maple syrup season is in a full swing, and coming up this weekend, there's a chance to see how it's made right here in the Northwoods. The UW– Extension and Kemp Natural Resources Station are hosting a free Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day Saturday in Woodruff. Organizers say the event is meant to be both educational and fun, offering a closer look at one of Wisconsin's signature spring traditions. The open house runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed for beginners and hobbyists interested in collecting sap and making their own maple syrup. Visitors can stop in throughout the day for hands-on workshops and live demonstrations. Activities include syrup tasting, maple quality judging, and a traditional birch bark sugar cone workshop, along with demonstrations showing how syrup is finished, filtered, and bottled. No registration is required, and more information, including a full schedule, is available through Kemp Station's website.Workshop schedule:10 AM – Maple Quality & Judging – Tony Johnson, Working Lands Forestry Educator-Bring your own syrup to judge11 AM – Traditional Birch Bark Sugar Cones, Biskakone Greg Johnson (Lac Du Flambeau), DJ Micik (Menominee)-Workshop making birch bark sugar cones, limited to 20 hand-on participants1 PM – Finishing, Filtering & Bottling Syrup, Scott Bowe, Kemp Superintendent-Live demos and syrup tasting2 PM – Bags, Buckets, & Tubes, Tony Johnson, Working Lands Forestry Educator- Guided tour of the sugarbush; help haul sap!

Published on 04/09/2026 under News Each summer, Tomahawk hosts a unique celebration of vintage and classic boats and motors. This year's event will offer a little extra flavor with some special guests. The 46th Annual Antique Boat and Motor Show returns to SARA Park August 4th through the 7th. It continues a decades-long tradition that draws collectors and enthusiasts from all around with demonstrations, a large swap meet, and plenty of restored vintage equipment on display. And this year they'll have some special guests in attendance. Mad Dog and Merrill, the grillmasters behind the TV show Midwest Grill'n will film a live taping on Wednesday, August 5th. The live filming gives attendees a chance to be part of the show's energetic, crowd-filled atmosphere. They said, "The addition of Mad Dog & Merrill's live filming brings even more excitement to an already beloved Northwoods tradition, blending culinary entertainment with one of the region's premier heritage events." Its free to attend both the recording of Midwest Grill'n, as well as the Antique Outboard Show. We'll offer up a reminder as the August event draws closer.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News With warmer weather arriving and pollen levels on the rise, knowing the difference between allergies and a cold can help you breathe a little easier. According to Aspirus Health, the symptoms between the two can be easy to confuse. Runny nose and congestion are common with both, but there are a few key differences. Pharmacy resident Kenneth Yuk says itchy or watery eyes are more likely tied to seasonal allergies, while body aches and fever usually signal a cold. Yuk explains that colds are caused by viruses, which can trigger a fever as the body fights infection. Allergies, on the other hand, are simply the body reacting to irritants like pollen or dust, meaning no fever. While over-the-counter meds can help, they noted some can cause side effects. And if symptoms linger for more than a few weeks, include a fever, or don't improve with treatment, doctors recommend following up with your primary care provider.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News It's back to the drawing board for City of Tomahawk Finance committee after voters rejected a request for additional spending ability. In addition to the local non-partisan races, the Tomahawk City Council placed a referendum question on the ballot to increase the base levy by 20%; up to $276,000, if approved. Instead, based on preliminary election result, the referendum was defeated with 56% of 961 voters opposed and 44% in favor. Ahead of the election, City leaders held several public informational sessions to explain why they were seeking the additional funding including costs outpacing the standard levy growth. The Finance Committee has made several cost cutting measures to help balance the budget in recent years while also taking inventory and selling off some city-owned properties. Without the levy approval, city leaders, including a new mayor Michael Habeck, will have to make due with the current levy limits.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News Tomahawk has a new mayor, while two neighboring cities re-elected their current city leaders. Tuesday was election day in the state of Wisconsin. The spring elections include local non-partisan races like city council, school board, county board and mayor. Here in Tomahawk two newcomers to the ballot faced off in the mayoral race, Michael 'Hob' Habeck and Jeffrey Koth. Based on preliminary results, Habeck cruised to victory, receiving 70 percent of the 938 votes in the race. Habeck becomes the first new mayor in Tomahawk in a decade. Outgoing Mayor Steve Taskay did not seek re-election after 10 years in office. Meanwhile, both Merrill and Rhinelander also had mayoral races on the ballot with both incumbents coming out on top. In Merrill, Mayor Steve Hass easily defeated a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner receiving nearly three quarters of the votes. And in Rhinelander, Mayor Kris Hanus narrowly edged out alderman Thomas Barnett in a race decided just 15 votes, based on the preliminary results. Other local races: For Lincoln County Board, all 22 supervisor races were on the ballot, but just three competitive races. For an open seat in District 2, Scott Doerr beat Mark Baers by just 4 votes; in District 12 Board Chair Jesse Boyd defeated Josh Oxborrow; and District 17 supervisor, Don Nelson beat incumbent James Meunier. The Tomahawk City Council had five spots on the ballot due to two partial-term appointments, but just three candidates. Pat Haskin, Don Nelson and Tadd Wegener each won their respective races. Both Nelson and Wegener will both return to the Council after gaps in service. Nelson takes over for Dale Ernst who did not seek re-election; while Wegener actually succeeds himself. He had stepped down last summer, but his seat wasn't filled. The Tomahawk School Board had three seats and two candidates. Dave Long and Ron Zimmerman were re-elected. We are still awaiting confirmation on the write-in results that will determine the other two Tomahawk City Council seats, a county board seat, and a Tomahawk School Board race.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use. Working with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, they Health Department has been hosting community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The third and final session will be this evening here in Tomahawk. These talks are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray added, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The discussion gets underway at 6pm at Kinship House in Tomahawk.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News A pair of loons are continuing their migration after a brief layover in central Wisconsin. The two loons were recently treated at the Raptor Education Group in Antigo after weekend rescues. The loons came from Portage and Waushara Counties in Central Wisconsin. These were some of the areas hardest hit by the ice storms that crossed the state late last week. Ahead of the weather event, rescuers had warned about the possible grounding in what is known as 'loon fall out'. Once on the ground, loons are limited in their movement. They also require a larger body of water to take off. We received an update from loon rescuer Linda Grenzer Tuesday. She said the loons got a quick medical check at REGI to ensure they weren't injured. The two birds were then released in Tomahawk near the Kwahamot Bay boat landing Tuesday morning. The Grenzers were thankful for all of those who helped get these birds back on the water to continue on to their final destination.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The first peregrine falcon eggs of the season have been laid in the nesting box at the Wisconsin Public Service Weston plant. WPS made the egg-citing announcement Tuesday. At the power plant near Wausau, Sheldon and an unbanded female, have laid three eggs so far, part of a growing total across Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies nest boxes. According to WPS spokesman Matt Cullen, 10 eggs have been counted at their facilities around the state. The nesting program dates back to the early 1990s, when utility companies began installing nest boxes at power plants to help restore the once-endangered species. Since then, more than 465 falcons have hatched at these sites. That accounts for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in the state. At Weston, the resident pair will now take turns incubating their eggs over the next several weeks. If conditions cooperate, the first chicks could hatch later this month or early May. People can follow along with the live nest cams as well as WPS social media for updates. The announcement also teased naming contest described as 'newsworthy'.

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