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Hatchet Girls Cross Country Team Advances to State Published on 10/28/2024 under Sports

On Friday, Tomahawk headed west to Colby High School to compete at the WIAA Division II Sectional Cross Country Meet. It was a chilly, but sunny, fall evening that saw a total of 15 teams face the Hatchets for the right to advance to Wisconsin Rapids next weekend for the WIAA State Championships.

The first division II race of the day were the girls at 4:15 PM. Coming off of the heart crushing finish of last year the girls were determined to advance. Despite never once appearing in the state rankings of the top Division II teams in Wisconsin the Hatchets proceeded to climb their way to the top throughout the race. The end result was a Sectional Championship by one point defeating last year's winning team, Shawano.

The lady Hatchets scored 67 points and were led by senior Alli Palmer who finished the race taking 3rd place with a new career best of 20:03. Junior Lydia Shaney followed, nearly cracking the top ten with an 11th place finish in 21:06. The ever improving sophomore Abbie Rosenmeier finished next in 15th place with, yet again, a new personal record of 21:22. Directly behind her was the impressive freshman Ellie Micke taking 16th with a new personal record of 21:23. Rounding out the scoring five was sophomore Elise Gibeault, continuing her return after her six month long injury, with a 22nd place finish in a season best time of 21:54. Rounding out the girls impressive race was sophomore Norah Mann and junior Faith Derleth. Norah finished the race in 35th place in a time of 22:34 with Faith finishing in 43rd in 23:26.

There were 79 runners in the girls race with finishing team results as follows: Tomahawk-67, Shawano-68, Oconto Falls-104, Medford-116, Lakeland-141, Rhinelander-143, Clintonville-160, New London-183, Antigo-253, Seymour-256, Northland Pines-267, Mosinee-293, Merrill-DNS, and Menominee Nation-DNS.

The boys Division II race began at 5:00 PM. The boys continue to make progress, despite finishing in a lower place than last year they were much closer to the other top teams points wise. New London claimed the Championship title with Rhinelander stunning Lakeland to advance. The Hatchets scored 136 points to tie Seymour and were led by senior Dominic Boos taking 9th place in a new personal record of 17:47. Closely finishing behind him was the dependable senior Sam Zastrow taking 13th in a time of 17:53. Though neither boy advanced individually to the state meet, they were both close and finished their cross country careers in the upper echelon of the boys Sectional. Eclipsing yet another personal record taking 21st with a time of 18:18 was freshman Joe Zastrow. Having a repeat time from the Great Northern Conference Meet was junior Jeremiah Johnson with a 43rd place finish in 18:59. The determined junior Beau Stromberg rounded out the scoring five with a 50th place finish in 19:06. Tomahawk's 6 and 7 runners, sophomore Drew Voermans and freshman Jordyn Carew, took 56th in 19:20 and 71st in 19:52.

There were 95 runners in the boys race with finishing team results as follows: New London-76, Rhinelander-86, Lakeland-101, Menominee Nation-129, Seymour-132, Oconto Falls-136, Tomahawk-136, Shawano-150, Northland Pines-247, Medford-249, Colby/Abbotsford-275, Merrill-316, Mosinee-344, Clintonville-DNS, and Antigo-DNS.

In Other News

One Dead, Two Injured in SUV/UTV Crash near Tomahawk

Published on 08/18/2026 under News An 82-year-old Tomahawk woman has died following a two-vehicle crash involving a UTV and an SUV on Monday evening in Lincoln County. Emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. Highway 8 and County Road CC in the Town of Wilson at approximately 6:07 p.m. on August 17 after receiving a 911 call reporting a collision with multiple injuries. According to preliminary findings from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the UTV was attempting to cross Highway 8 when it was struck by a westbound SUV. The driver of the UTV was transported by ambulance to the hospital, and later died from her injuries. Her name is being withheld pending family notification. A 79-year-old passenger on the UTV was also taken to the hospital by ambulance with injuries and is expected to recover. The driver of the SUV, a 40-year-old woman, sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to the hospital via private vehicle. She is also expected to recover. The crash remains under active investigation.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help following a serious hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning in the Town of Merrill. At approximately 2:00 a.m., deputies responded to the area of County Highway K and Lake Pesobic Road after a man was found lying in the roadway with a head injury. The victim had little memory of the incident and was unable to provide a description of the vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Investigators determined the man was walking along the west side of County Highway K when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. Based on evidence recovered at the scene, deputies believe the suspect vehicle may be a truck with damage to its passenger-side mirror. The Sheriff's Office noted a couple of additional details from the investigation. A nearby Flock automated license plate camera was non-operational at the time due to previous vandalism. Additionally, while deputies located a second person along the roadside, that individual was determined to be an intoxicated pedestrian unrelated to the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has information about the vehicle, or was driving through the area between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Sunday is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News State Highway 17 will remain closed as transportation officials prepare to launch a pavement replacement project earlier than originally scheduled. According to Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer, the road's rapid deterioration prompted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to move the timeline forward. Keeping the highway closed now was determined to be the most cost-effective decision given the road conditions. Crews previously completed work to replace the Barnes Creek Bridge along the route earlier this summer. According to Lemmer, a new detour route will be posted shortly, while the official construction start date has not yet been announced. Highway 17 remains completely closed to traffic. The local highway department will continue to provide updates as construction schedules are finalized, and we'll of course share that information. The newly announced pavement project will extend into next year.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News With the new school year quickly approaching, a new list of unusual mascots has been released—and the Rhinelander Hodag is once again in the spotlight. Selected from more than 24,000 high schools nationwide, the Rhinelander Hodags landed at No. 7 on a new list of the Top 50 Most Interesting U.S. High School Nicknames. The rankings were compiled by high school nickname expert David Winder, author of Where Are the Fighting Giraffes: A Guide to the Ordinary, Odd and Outrageous Nicknames of U.S. High Schools. Winder says he created the list to celebrate the local stories behind unique team names, noting that "the best ones make people ask a question, tell a story, or immediately picture the place they represent." This is familiar territory for the Hodag, which regularly finds itself near the top of national lists celebrating unique, legendary, and downright strange mascots. The Hodags finished ahead of several other unusual contenders, including the Fluvanna County Flying Flucos, the Maryville Spoofhounds, the Yuma Criminals, the Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms, and the Mount Clemens Battling Bathers.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News A speeding motorcyclist received an unexpected educational lesson on proper firearm protocol during a recent traffic stop. The incident began last week when a deputy clocked a motorcycle traveling 91 mph in a 55 mph zone near the intersection of County Highways Q and K in the Town of Scott. According to the Sheriff's Office, after coming to a stop, the driver reached down and removed a handgun from his holster. The deputy immediately ordered the man to drop the weapon, and he complied without further incident. When questioned about his actions, the driver explained he had previously been advised to disarm himself if he was ever pulled over by law enforcement. The deputy took the opportunity to explain proper protocol for legal firearm owners during a traffic stop to ensure safety for both the driver and the officer. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that drivers should never reach for a firearm during a stop. Instead, drivers are advised to keep their hands clearly visible, immediately notify the officer of the weapon's location, and wait for further instructions. The driver was ultimately issued citations for speeding and other traffic violations.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Extremely dry conditions helped fuel a field fire near Eagle River Monday evening. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was called out around 5 p.m. after a combine sparked a fire in dry, cut hay. The fire spread quickly through the field. The department worked alongside the Eagle River DNR Wildland Firefighting Crew and farm workers. Crews were able to get the flames under control. A department drone equipped with thermal imaging was also used to help locate any remaining hotspots from above.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News A Northwoods attraction is teaming up with a local nonprofit this evening, using a pirate-themed fundraiser to tackle childhood food insecurity in Vilas and Oneida counties. Pirates Hideaway in Eagle River is hosting the "Pirates FOR Kids" event from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., donating proceeds to the organization Feed Our Rural Kids, or FORK. Organizers say the goal is simple: helping the nonprofit protect what they call the community's "real treasure," its youth. Ticket sales from Captain Steve's pirate ship cruises on the Eagle River Chain, as well as a portion of food and drink sales, will directly fund meal programs for area children. The event features live music, food sales, and raffles. All funds raised will support FORK's nutrition initiatives across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps school districts.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Each summer, the city of Merrill celebrates its local area and all it has to offer with a special community gathering. On Tuesday evening, the annual Merrill Community Night Out returns for its 14th year. The event is inspired by the nationwide National Night Out initiative, the later date is due to timing with the Lincoln County Fair. Organizers note the event gives residents a chance to learn more about local services while meeting the people who make those programs possible. As in years past, a lengthy list of local professionals and organizations are scheduled to attend. Local First Responders will be on site to give kids an up-close look at emergency equipment. Other scheduled participants include Merrill-Go-Round transit, Northcentral Technical College, the T.B. Scott Free Library, and Lincoln County Crime Stoppers. The event will be held at the Merrill Festival Grounds inside the Expo Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Featuring food, activities, and live entertainment, organizers encourage residents to bring the whole family out.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News A teenager sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Tomahawk late last week. The incident occurred late Thursday morning near SARA Park. According to reports, the teen was walking in a group when she was hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to another facility for additional treatment. Court records indicate that a 17-year-old female driver is facing multiple charges including reckless injury and recklessly endangering safety. She made an initial court appearance on Friday, where bond was set at $5,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 24.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News Voter participation in Lincoln County increased slightly during last week's Fall Primary, both in total votes cast and the percentage of registered voters who participated. According to preliminary results, turnout reached 41%, up from 39% in the 2024 fall primary. A total of 7,360 ballots were cast, an increase over the roughly 6,500 cast in 2024. Voter turnout was likely driven by several high-profile primary contests on both the Republican and Democratic side. The breakdown included approximately 4,200 Republican ballots, 2,600 Democratic ballots, and 10 ballots cast for third-party candidates, including the Green, Constitution, and Libertarian parties. Lincoln County results mirrored overall totals in most top-of-ticket races: Tom Tiffany-Republican Governor nomination; David Crowley-Democratic Governor nomination; and Michael Alfonso-Republican 7th congressional district nomination. There was an exception in the 7th congressional district Democratic nomination. While Ginger Murray received the most in Lincoln County, Fred Clark scored more votes district-wide to win the nomination. Voter turnout typically increases in the Fall General Election, the first Tuesday in November.

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