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Hatchet Softball Team Goes 2-1 at Monroe Tourney Published on 04/22/2024 under Sports

Tomahawk's softball squad went 2-1 in their tournament at Monroe Saturday. The Hatchets' lone loss game in Game One to the host, Monroe, 13-3.

However, Tomahawk bounced back and put forth two brilliant performances in Games Two and Three.

Tomahawk defeated Reedsburg in Game Two 12-7. The Hatchets' grand finale in Game Three was a comeback victory over #5 in Division 5 Juda-Albany 6-5. The Hatchets' record now stands at 6-5 on the season.

Tomahawk will be back in action Monday with another non-conference battle, this time at home against Merrill.

In Other News

Anglers Prepare for Another Fishing Season Opener

Published on 05/03/2024 under News The winter wait is finally over... Anglers will once again fill Wisconsin's waterways this weekend with the hopes of landing some fish. Saturday marks the start of the inland fishing season for a number of species; most notably walleye, northern pike and large mouth bass. Anglers should note that the northern zone muskie season doesn't open until May 25; while the small-mouth bass harvest begins June 15. The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bare that out. Statistics show around 2 million licenses are sold every year, nearly twice the national average per capita. And while the natural fish population is strong, the DNR and their partners enhance the state fishery through stocking programs like the Wisconsin Walleye Initiatve. They also stock trout, bass, musky, and northern pike. The DNR did offer up a few reminders for anglers before heading out this season. Make sure you've got a fishing license and go over regulations for any lake-specific rules and bag limits on the waters you fish. If you're fishing in a boat, check that the registration is up-to-date and you've got enough life preservers. And to keep invasive species out of your favorite waterways, it's a good idea to inspect your boat, trailer and equipment for any of these aquatic hitchhikers. And stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for fishing news, updates, events, and of course a stable of fishing guides who offer their expertise with their weekend reports.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News It won't be long before Lake Nokomis, Bridge Lake, and Deer Lake are buzzing with all sorts of summer water recreation. There's some maintenance work planned on the dam that creates those waterways, though it won't affect most people. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company announced plans for a safety enhancement project on the Rice Reservoir Dam. According to the news release, they'll be utilizing a barge-mounted crane to install steel sheet piling at the embankment and spillway. Other work includes some bridge deck modifications, rock rip rap on the shoreline, and the construction of some fishing platforms and walkways. They're hoping to minimize impacts on the public. We heard from Scott Blado, WVIC environmental specialist and safety coordinator. The Nokomis Drive boat landing will have limited access next week including a temporary three day closure from Wednesday through Friday. That is to accommodate the equipment mobilization. Throughout the summer some areas in the immediate area of the dam may be inaccessible. Those areas will be fenced off. And probably the biggest question is the water levels...they don't anticipate any changes due to this project. People can simply expect the water level fluctuations that are typical over the course of the summer, impacted by factors such as regional precipitation. The project is expect to run into November, we'll share any updates as we receive them. WVIC has additional information on their website.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News For years, Camp Birch Trails has been a destination for girl scouts in the region. Coming up this weekend, they'll be showing off the facility, a hidden gem right here in the Northwoods. Camp Birch Trails is actually right here in Lincoln County, down in Irma. The property is owned and run by the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. They oversee the thousands of scouts across 58 counties of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's upper peninsula. Yesterday we were joined by Bethany McAnnally who talked about the Camp Birch Trails, as well as an open house on Sunday. At 240 acres, the property offers many classic summer camp opportunities. That includes a large lodge, some smaller rustic cabins, a camping area, all surrounding a small private lake perfect water water recreation and other activities. McAnnally says she first attended Camp Birch Trails when she was just six years old, she eventually became a counselor there, and completing the circle works with the Girl Scouts organization in a professional capacity. She say those experiences created lifelong memories and friendships. For those that would like to see what Camp Birch Trails is all about, McAnnally invited people to attend an Open House coming up this weekend. It's Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm. They'll have tours, information, and fun activities. You can hear that entire conversation in the WJJQ Audio Center to learn more.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News A Tomahawk Police Officer was recently recognized for her work in the community. At a small ceremony, the Tomahawk VFW Post, in conjunction with the Tomahawk Police Department presented Officer Alysia Watruba with the Community Service Award while noting her many positive attribute and calling her an asset to the department and the community. Watruba was presented with a plaque that read, in part, "For over a decade, Officer Watruba has served the residents of Tomahawk with empathy and compassion. She has demonstrated a high proficiency in her work duties and completes her patrol assignments with accuracy and precision." They said, "Officer Watruba's commitment to upholding the values of honor, duty, and service embodies the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars."

Published on 05/03/2024 under News Anglers on one area chain will have something extra to look forward to, in addition to this weekend's fishing opener. At a special meeting held virtually on Thursday, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board established an emergency rule that will allow anglers to harvest walleye on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, pausing a nearly decade-long catch-and release period. As proposed, the emergency rule establishes a daily bag limit of one walleye on the Minocqua chain. And to maintain healthy, breeding populations, there are additional size regulations. Harvested fish must be larger than 18 inches, but not between 22 and 28 inches. Ahead of the meeting the DNR said, "This regulation will allow a moderate level of walleye harvest while preserving the quality-size fish that were built up during the past nine years of harvest closure." The vote to establish the emergency rule was unanimous.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News The countdown to the fishing opener is on, and local ER staffers are reminding anglers to use a little caution with hooks to ensure they aren't trading time on the lake for a visit to the hospital as part of what they playfully call the 'People Catcher's Club.' Earlier this week we heard from the emergency departments at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Howard Young in Woodruff. Serving an area well-known as a fishing destination, they've removed hundreds of fishing hooks and lures over the years. In fact, they've actually created a display showcasing the various hooks over the past three decades. The original idea came from MedEvac Paramedic Dan Halverson. He said, "I started collecting them, created the cabinet for the hooks, and even more people were willing to leave them for the display." While the People Catcher's display is in good fun, a hooked angler can be serious. Barbs on the hook make self-removal difficult, the wound from a dirty hook also risks infection. That's why the Aspirus staffers have plenty of training on the various methods of hook removal based on the situation. Howard Young ER nurse Wendy Lizak added, "We always tell (the hooked anglers) you are not the first one, you won't be the last..." The reminder also provided a chance to recount the legend of the twice-hooked angler. He arrived at Howard Young and had a musky lure removed. Rather that contributed the artificial bait to the display he decided to take it with him. Unfortunately, as he got into his vehicle, he managed to snag himself a second time. After a second removal he left the cursed lure for the display. In exchange for the lures, the Anglers are presented with a bobber-shaped stress ball, and an official membership card in the People Catchers Club. Halverson noted that most also get the photo taken as they add the lure to the display cabinet. Photo contributed by Aspirus-People Catchers Club lures on display at Aspirus Howard Young Emergency Department

Published on 05/02/2024 under News They say "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County several groups are teaming up to ensure new parents are ready when their littlest ones come home for the first time. Last fall the Lincoln County Health Department hosted a Community Baby Shower down in Merrill. Based on that success, they're expanding to Tomahawk later this month. Yesterday we spoke with Lexi Buntrock, who serves as the Lincoln County Public Health Educator. She explained that the Community Baby Shower is a way to get information to parents on a wide variety of topics through informational booths and demonstrations. They've already got more than a dozen set to attend the event here in Tomahawk. She gave a quick sampling of the topics: a CPR/Choking demo, safe sleep, breast feeding, early literacy, as well as support for childcare, housing, and even mental health for new moms and dads. It's is geared for those with little ones 0-18 months, the Merrill event last fall had around 45 families attend. It was convenient timing for Buntrock, a new mother herself at the time. Even though she was an organizer, she said was able to learn some new things. A participant survey showed overwhelming positive feed back, which led them to expand to northern Lincoln County. For those that would like to attend, mark your calendar for May 30, 3pm-5pm. It'll be at the St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center. We'll follow up as that approaches as well. You can hear that conversation with Lexi in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. Those agencies have another opportunity to apply. Known as 'Rewarding Responders', the WPS Foundation provides a series of grants each summer to help with the purchase of lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dating back to 2014, spokesman Matt Cullen says they've now awarded $500,000 in Rewarding Responders grants have been distributed to 202 public safety agencies. Over the years local grants have gone towards items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, and AED units. Last year's recipients included Eagle River Police, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, and fire departments in Antigo, Merrill, Minocqua and Pine Lake. In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program last year, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Eligible departments can begin applying for the new cycle. Recipients will be announced this summer.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Beef Council set out to find the state's best burger. The winner is from right here in the Northwoods. Among eight finalists, it was the All-American Burger from Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst that reigned supreme. The classic cheeseburger stood out with a craft blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and a house blend seasoning. Co-owner Justin Koshak says they were honored to be named the winner especially as the lone finalist from Northern Wisconsin. He said, "We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food." Rather than a fan vote and popularity contest, the decision was made by a panel of judges who stopped at each restaurant for a surprise visit last month. Most of the judging was based on the burger itself: taste, presentation, proper cooking, and overall enjoyment; though a few bonus points were available for the restaurant and atmosphere. The contest announcement comes as the state celebrates Wisconsin Beef Month in May. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council says they were thrilled with the overwhelming response to the contest. They're looking forward to bringing back and growing the contest for next year. -Photo provided by Wisconsin Beef Council: (from L-R) Pickles Co-Owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, and Pickles Co-Owner Dan Linscott (aka, "Pickles") Best Burger Finalists: ● Brazen Head Pub, 147 N Main St, West Bend ● Crafty Cow, 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee ● Dog House Bar & Grill, 117 S 1st St, Mt. Horeb ● Ferry Xing Bar & Grill, 306 Main St, Merrimac ● Pickles Bar & Grill, 5507 Co Rd Y, Hazelhurst ● Skippy's Burger Bar, 113 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville ● Straight Home Bar & Grill, 184060 WI-153, Eland ● The Dump Bar & Grill, 105 W Edgewater St, Cambria

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Coming up this evening folks in Lincoln and Oneida County can participate. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options for their respective counties. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. Coming up this evening, both Oneida and Lincoln County CDAC's will meet. The Oneida County meeting gets underway at 6pm at the Woodruff Town Hall. Lincoln County's meeting is set for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval which typically takes place at their May or June or meeting.

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