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Hatchet Boys Basketball Team Loses at Rib Lake Published on 02/21/2025 under Sports

Tomahawk's boys' basketball squad was unable to end their long losing streak with a 63-25 loss at Rib Lake Thursday. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-18 on the season and is their 13th straight defeat. The Hatchets' last win was back on January 3rd against Faith Christian Academy.

The Hatchets turn right back around for Senior Night and their final Home Great Northern Conference Showdown against Medford tonight. Tip is at 7:15.

In Other News

Gov. Evers, DWD Award $250,000 in Commercial Driver Training Grants, Bolstering Statewide Driver Workforce

Published on 02/26/2026 under News Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced nine businesses and organizations in eight Wisconsin counties across the state will collectively receive $250,000 in commercial driver training grants. These grants are part of the Commercial Driver Training Grant program and work to support businesses and organizations that offer training for trainees to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the goal of bolstering Wisconsin's driving workforce, such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and more. This round of grant awards will help 190 trainees obtain a CDL and grow their earning potential, all while helping to meet the demands for one of the state's most in-demand occupations. In our area, Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County received grant funding of $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training for 30 individuals. Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD's Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Individuals interested in a professional truck driver career can find more information on the Job Center of Wisconsin website and CDL Apprenticeship opportunities.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News The Rhinelander High School Drama Department will be taking audiences on a trip to Neverland. The students will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the characters of Peter Pan. But rather than the traditional story we grew up with fast-paced and imaginative play reveals the origins of beloved characters from Peter Pan, including Peter Pan himself, Captain Hook, and the fantastical world of Neverland. In previewing the production they said, "Packed with humor, adventure, flamboyant pirates, and enchanting mermaids, the story celebrates friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination." Peter and the Starcatcher is perfect for audiences of all ages, offering high-energy storytelling and plenty of laughs for the whole family. They'll be offering four public performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 1pm. Admission is free.

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The countdown is on for an unforgettable milestone as Fall Ride prepares to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this annual Northwoods tradition. For more than four decades, the event has brought together riders and music lovers from across the Midwest with a weekend filled with chrome, community, and charitable impact. Tomahawk Main Street is proud to be at the center of it all. What began as a small street dance at the corner of Wisconsin and North 4th Street has become an event that now spans the entire length of the business district in downtown Tomahawk. The Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride Committee is planning the biggest celebration yet, and they need your help. The committee has the opportunity to secure a nostalgic, national metal band to headline the iconic Saturday night street dance. This is more than just another year," said Jennifer Turkiewicz, Tomahawk Main Street Executive Director. "The 45th Anniversary deserves something extraordinary, and we want to give our visitors and community something memorable." Bringing a national act requires raising more money and securing more sponsors. "This event is fully funded by sponsors and four beer tents that we set up during the weekend. The expense associated with the security, insurance, and outdoor facilities to accommodate 40,000 plus visitors to our street is tens of thousands of dollars and that does not include the expenses of staging and hosting large bands. The event is not a money maker for our organization, but it is a money maker for our whole community, and that's why we are proud to make it bigger and better every year," Turkiewicz noted. To help bring the dream to life Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride is launching a Big Anniversary Raffle where they will give away $4,500.00 for the 45th year. A very limited number of tickets will be sold for $100.00 each, and prizes will include two VIP Meet and Greet passes with the Headliner, a second-place prize of $500.00, and the Grand Prize of $4,000.00. Winners and our full Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride music lineup will be announced at a Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 24th at 6:30pm at Strikers in Tomahawk. Tickets can be purchased at the Tomahawk Main Street Office (located at 223 W. Wisconsin Avenue) or Honeycomb L.O.F.T., What's Brewin', Sideways Wine and Craft Beer, Crossbridge Community Bank, or Calhoun Insurance.

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The Nicolet Players will hold open auditions for the spring production of Fahrenheit 451 at the Theatre at Nicolet College. Auditions will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, February 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. All community members and students are welcome to audition, and no experience is required. No appointment is needed. Performers are encouraged to simply drop in. There will be seven male and five female roles available and assorted voices. Scripts will be available at the Nicolet College Library to check out. The Nicolet Players are also looking for behind-the-scenes helpers who can support bringing the production to life. Stop by auditions to learn more about behind-the-scenes opportunities to get involved. The play will open in April, with five performances from April 16 through 19. Questions can be sent to boxoffice@nicoletcollege.edu.

Published on 02/25/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Girls' Basketball season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night at the Hatchet House, losing to Spooner, 50-46. The Hatchets were unable to overcome Freya Alberg and Lizzy Arnott fouling out of the game late in the second half. In her final High School game, Alberg finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Anita Ziert also finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points and hauling down 11 boards. Tomahawk finishes the 2025-26 season with a 12-13 record and a 6-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate one senior from their team, Freya Alberg, who will be playing College Ball next year at Grinnell College in Iowa.

Published on 02/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use including some upcoming public discussions. The Lincoln County Health Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, will be holding three community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The first is coming up Wednesday. These events are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Stigma, negative attitudes or beliefs about substance use, are often a hurdle in people seeking help. 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 says, "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 first opportunity will be a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30pm. They also have in-person events planned in Merrill March 17 and Tomahawk April 8. A link to the virtual town hall is available here: https://bit.ly/LincTownHall

Published on 02/24/2026 under News On Friday, Lincoln County deputies were dispatched to an injury crash involving a Lincoln County Plow truck and a passenger car on US Highway 51 in the Town of Skanawan. Upon arrival, the deputies were advised that the plow truck being operated by a 34 year old man from Irma, WI was actively engaged in plowing operations heading northbound on US Highway 51 when the truck was struck in the rear by a passenger car being operated by a 56 year old man from Merrill, WI. Both the driver and passenger of the car reported injuries, and the driver of the plow truck reported back pain.

Published on 02/24/2026 under News Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect the entire family. Many people associate them with food or weight changes, but the impact often reaches beyond eating habits and into relationships, routines, and emotional well-being. "It's not just eating too much or eating too little," said Jessica Schiek, LPC, Behavioral Health Director at Aspirus Health. "It's a comprehensive mental health condition that affects behaviors, moods, physical health, and attitudes related to food." The early warning signs are not always physical. Families may notice changes in routines or social habits, and those shifts can feel confusing at first. Mood shifts or irritability may follow. Eating disorders also intersect with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use, which can make a loved one's behavior difficult for families to interpret and can strain communication at home. Schiek encourages families to seek professional guidance when something feels different rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. "Come at it with a supportive, caring approach," she said. "Set aside dedicated time in a private space and open up communication. It might not always be well received, but it can be a place to start." Treatment typically involves coordinated care from medical and mental health professionals. Families are often an important part of that process. Resources for caregivers and siblings are available through organizations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at nationaleatingdisorders.org. "The most important thing to know is that recovery is possible," Schiek said. "It might take time, and relapse can be part of recovery, but there is hope."

Published on 02/23/2026 under News On Saturday, the 8th annual Chili Cook-off was held at the Nokomis Fire Station. Celebrity judges from the area rated the chili from 1-10 in different categories. The cook-off helped raised money through various raffles featuring over 70 items. Some of the proceeds will go the Kinship of Tomahawk. The rest will be split between Northwoods Veterans, the Oneida County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the Nokomis Fire Department. The Aspirus MedEvac team took first place in the mild chili category and the Arbor Vitae Fire Department took first place in the hot chili category. Other winners include; Chairman's Choice Aspirus MedEvac, Best Presentation to Minocqua Fire Department and People's Choice to Arbor Vitae Fire Department. There we're a total of 12 chili contest entries.

Published on 02/23/2026 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital honored Francis Smazal, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of his commitment and patient-centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart. Smazal works in the Medical-Surgical Unit and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a grateful patient. Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award. The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

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