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Tomahawk Golfers Receive Academic All-State Honors Published on 06/11/2024 under Sports

The Golf Coaches' Assocation of Wisconsin released their Academic All-State Awards list and Tomahawk was well-represented. The criteria to qualify for the Academic All-State team includes a GPA of 3.25 or higher, competed in 75% of the team's varsity meets, and must be at least a sophomore. Four Hatchet golfers were given Academic All-State honors, who are Sawyer Hanna, Carson Childers, Austin Lamer, and Caiden Reichelt. The four are among over 400 students from 137 high schools in Wisconsin.

In Other News

Lincoln County Snowmobile Trails Closing Tuesday

Published on 03/03/2026 under News Mild weather and deteriorating conditions will bring an end to the snowmobile riding season here in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Forestry Land and Parks Department announced the closure of all snowmobile trails effective at 4pm today (Tuesday, March 3). Trails in Lincoln County opened a few days before the new year, marking around 60 days of riding. After two consecutive seasons with poor conditions, this winter brought snow and kept trails busy. Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says, "Lincoln County would like to extend our gratitude to our local snowmobile clubs for their hard work in preparing and maintaining these trails throughout this season. We truly appreciate your dedication and efforts. Without the ongoing work of these clubs, our trail network would not be possible." According to the announcement, the closure will remain in effect even if there is additional snowfall in the coming weeks. As of Tuesday morning, trail systems to the north, in Oneida and Vilas County remain open. We'll continue to share any additional closure announcements as we receive them.

Published on 03/03/2026 under News Over the past few years, Lincoln County has been making an effort to highlight and develop outdoor recreation, embracing the slogan, "Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins." They're currently seeking some public feedback on current and future opportunities within the Lincoln County. Earlier this month, the County launched an Outdoor Recreation Survey. This survey is used in setting the county's recreational direction over the next five years, and may also be used to support future grant funding. The survey includes a variety of topics such as types of outdoor recreation participation and activities and amenities that should be developed. There are questions on use and satisfaction of county parks, campgrounds, and trail use; as well as activity-specific questions. The survey takes about ten minutes and can be completed online. It is available on the county website. The deadline is April 12.

Published on 03/03/2026 under News Nicolet College will once again provide a summer opportunity for high school students to learn more about various career paths. Nicolet Discovery Days offers hands-on learning experiences for upcoming high school freshmen through seniors to explore career-focused college programs by attending these academies, boot camps, or workshops. This summer, they'll offer nine programs in fields like automotive fundamentals, culinary arts, early child hood education, criminal justice, and fire and EMS. Bobbi Fields, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Nicolet College explained, "Many young people want to explore their options before they choose a career path that matches their interests and skills. Our summer programs are designed to give high school students authentic, hands-on experiences with well-paying and meaningful careers to help them make an informed decision." The programs vary in length from one to four days. They're scheduled for June 15-19 and June 22-26. Each course is just $20 thanks to generous community support. Registration opened up March 1.

Published on 03/03/2026 under News A statewide initiative is aiming to develop a plan to ensure Wisconsin forests remain healthy while supporting the forest products industry. The effort is known as Wisconsin Forests FIRST which stands for Forest Industry Roadmap and Strategies for Tomorrow. It is funded through a $1 million state grant awarded to the Great Lakes Timber Professionals and Wisconsin Paper Council in collaboration with the Wisconsin Council on Forestry. The two-year project will bring together stakeholders in an effort to identify challenges and align priorities to position Wisconsin's forest and wood products sector for long-term success. Wisconsin Forests FIRST was announced last fall. They recently announced their executive committee, along with a project manager. Scott Suder, President of the Wisconsin Paper Council says, "This first-of-its-kind collaborative project will bring together industry experts from across the state to help create a strategic roadmap to ensure Wisconsin's forests and forest products industry remains strong into the future." Henry Schienebeck, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Timber Professional Association says, "Wisconsin Forests FIRST represents an important opportunity to align forest health, industry competitiveness, and long-term economic vitality in Wisconsin."

Published on 03/03/2026 under News The DNR is encouraging property owners to be on the lookout spongy moth egg masses to determine if control measures are needed this spring. One of the best ways to determine if spongy moths are present is to look for their egg masses during the springtime. They appear as tan-colored lumps about the size of a nickel or quarter. They're typically found on trees, buildings and other outdoor objects. (Officials note they have a preference for oak, birch, crabapple, aspen, willow and linden (basswood) trees). When small amounts of egg masses are present, they can be removed manually, and the DNR recommends soaking removed eggs in soapy water for a few days before disposing of them. Physical removal can beneficial for low to moderate numbers of egg masses, and make insecticide unnecessary. More well established populations may require a professional insecticide treatment on the caterpillars once they hatch in the spring. The invasive pest is considered established across most of Wisconsin, the exception being the western third of the state. In some good news, the spongy moth outbreak of the last few years has collapsed. The state has a Spongy Moth Resource website with more information.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News In just over a month, voters in the city of Tomahawk will decide on a levy referendum. In the lead up to the vote, city leaders will be reaching out to the public, an effort that begins this week. The state largely restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The Tomahawk City Council is looking for a 20% increase to the base levy going forward, approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of around $75 for a $100,000 property. Currently, the Tomahawk City Council scheduled three public informational meetings in March. The goal of the meetings will be to explain why the city is requesting additional funding. At these informational sessions, they plan to review some of the cuts they've made in recent years to balance the budget, as well as services that could be impacted in the future. In addition to the City Council members, department heads have also been asked to participate. In order to reach as many people as possible, the Council attempted to cover different times to schedule the meetings. The first is coming up at 1pm on Wednesday, March 4. Another has been scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 10am. The final session will take place the evening of March 19. They will take place at SARA Park. In addition to the meetings, they also plan to include a fact sheet in utility bills as well as traditional and social media. Voters will decide on the referendum April 7.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Most people will never travel to Antarctica. A local teacher recently made the trip to the frozen continent and will be talking about the trip Monday evening. Breanne Kanak is described as an artist, adventurer and teacher. She was able to participate in a 10-day expedition to Antarctica. It was a unique opportunity, and she has been able to bring those lessons back to the classroom in Wabeno where she teaches. Now she'll be sharing her adventure with the community as well. Coming up this evening, Kanak is partnering with Nicolet College to host this program. Through her stories, photos, and videos. Kanak will cover topics like conservation, mindful eco-tourism, and the joys and challenges of teaching from one of Earth's most remote places. The discussion will get underway at 6pm this evening. Prior to the conversation, artwork from Kanak's expedition is on display at Nicolet College's Lakeside Center. The program is free.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, and behavioral health professionals at Aspirus are highlighting some of the challenges impacting youth and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a key indicator of depression. Aspirus behavioral health and employee assistance program counselor Tisha Sleiter says this can come from academic expectations, peer dynamics, and constant digital exposure of social media, while some challenges still stem from impacts of the pandemic. According to the announcement, those struggles are unfolding during a critical stage of emotional and neurological development. The prefrontal cortex, which supports emotional regulation and decision-making, continues to mature throughout the teenage years. Prolonged stress during that time can influence how young people respond to pressure and build coping skills. Some early signs of emotional distress can include social withdrawal, declining engagement, increased anxiety and behavioral changes. Starting the conversation early and working with a primary care provider can help teens. Leiter says, "The best thing we can do is ask how they're doing. Form connection, provide space, and when they ask for help, guide them toward the support they need."

Published on 03/02/2026 under News While most people bundle up when heading out on a snowmobile, some riders stripped down for a good cause earlier this year. In late January, during our coldest stretch of the year, LaCannes Resort teamed up with Ties That Bind Us, a local cancer support group, for a Bikini Run during their during their Swamp Lake Shoot Out. They recently announced an impressive contribution. In the end, fundraising totals came in at just over $13,000. Founded in 2012, the Ties That Bind Us provides support network for those diagnosed with cancer to ensure no one goes through the journey alone. In making the announcement, Ties That Bind Us wrote, "We are so thankful for the girls who braved the -30 degree day, their sponsors, the community and LaCannes for hosting this great event!!!"

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Wildlife artists have another opportunity to have their artwork featured on the state's series of bird stamps. The DNR recently launched their annual art competition. Winning entries will appear on next year's wild turkey, pheasant or waterfowl stamps. The DNR says the contest offers a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting wildlife management. Funds raised through the sale of these stamps help support species management like habitat restoration, education and research projects. Over the years, Northwoods artists have fared quite well in the competition, winning on numerous occasions. That includes Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, who won last year's Pheasant stamp. Rules for this year's contest are available on the DNR website.

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