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Tomahawk Area Scholarships Top $170,000 Published on 05/27/2025 under News

The Tomahawk community continues to support local students in a big way, with thousands of dollars invested into their secondary education.

The Tomahawk High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas during Friday's commencement. Ahead of that ceremony, the students also took part in the annual Senior Awards night this past week. The pre-graduation program is when most of the local scholarships for graduating seniors are announced.

Around 45 students received a helping hand in paying for their college whether a tech school or a 4 year university. That scholarship pool has been growing steadily. This year, they announced more than $170,000 in scholarships.

And once again a reminder, the Tomahawk High School graduation ceremony has now been posted to the District YouTube channel.(part 1) (part 2)

In Other News

Motorists Encouraged to Watch for Turtle Crossings

Published on 05/28/2025 under News Wisconsin is home to eleven species of turtles...Biologists and conservationists are asking people to help protect them at an important time of year. Each spring, the DNR works with partners such as the Turtle Conservation Program to raise awareness of Wisconsin's turtles. They typically lay their eggs in late May and early June. DNR Conservation Biologist Andrew Badje says, "Nesting season is an important but risky time for turtles." To reach ideal nesting locations, turtles often attempt to cross roads where they are at risk of being hit by vehicles. Motorists are encouraged to be on the look out for turtles in roadways. The Turtle Conservation Program tracks sighting. When 'hot spots' are identified they'll sign the location or even explore additional protections such as culverts. People can offer a hand, by helping the turtle out of the road. First and foremost, be mindful of any approaching traffic. They recommend bringing the turtle to the shoulder of the road in the direction it was heading. Never grab a turtle's tail. For snappers, a safe option is to ferry the turtle by pulling it on a shovel, a sheet, or even your car's floor mat. Beyond vehicles, turtle nests are also at risk of predators such as raccoons, coyotes, and skunks. The Turtle Conservation Program has additional information on nesting cages and other resources. Badje, "Protecting adult females and turtle nests in the wild is essential for conserving Wisconsin's turtles for future generations."

Published on 05/28/2025 under News School referendums are now relatively common in Wisconsin, but more municipalities are turning to the additional financial support to help balance budgets. Tomahawk could be the next. At the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee meeting Tuesday, the members discussed a variety of ways to address the expected and continued budget concerns ahead of the fall process. Among those topics, a hiring freeze and/or a levy referendum. They were preliminary discussions with specifics offered. At their next meeting, the committee expects to review the levy referendum process including timelines, dollar amount, length and public information/outreach. As for the when... committee members indicated the sooner the better. There aren't any elections scheduled this fall, but the committee members inquired about holding a special election. Budget challenges have been nothing new for many municipalities, counties, and schools constrained by state levy limits that haven't grown as quickly as costs. In Tomahawk specifically, they've used a combination of cuts, covid funds, and property sales to help balance their budget in recent years. These were seen as one time solutions to an ongoing issue. The city typically tackles the following year's budget in October and November. As for the levy referendum, no action was taken Tuesday. The topic will likely appear on the agenda at future meetings.

Published on 05/28/2025 under News People in the Tomahawk area can once again enjoy some burgers this summer while supporting a good cause. Cards have been on sale for a few weeks, but Tuesday marked the official start of the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, 'Best Burger in Paradise' competition. We had a chance to speak with STAR Foundation board members Kathy Rankin and Jackie Leonard. This summer, seven restaurants have entered the culinary challenge. The field includes last year's champion B's Landing and a former two time winner in Jeb's. The tour also includes stops at The Grill, Billy Bob's, Outboards, Nacho's and Nutzees. Rankin noted that the cards, at $40 for seven burgers, is a great deal. Throughout the summer, cardholders are asked to visit each participating restaurant, purchase a meal and claim their burger. Leonard says some restaurants have created or designated a specific burger for the competition, while others allow the diner to chose from the menu. Once all restaurants have been visited and burgers sampled, the card holder can cast a vote for their favorite. While bragging rights are on the line, the Best Burger in Paradise also serves as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, along with the January STAR Splash. Leonard noted they approved $13,000 in grants at their latest meeting for groups such as Music on the River, the Back Pack Program, and the Kinship Relocation. Rankin says this is a great opportunity to contribute to a good cause while explore and support local restaurants. Cards are currently available for purchase at each of the participating restaurants along with Trig's, Tomahawk Chamber, and here at WJJQ. The contest runs through August 29.

Published on 05/28/2025 under News In recent weeks, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office has led several community conversations on online safety. Tonight they're bringing the program to Tomahawk. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with the Tomahawk School District to offer another presentation on Internet Crimes Against Children. This comes after positive feedback to a similar presentations in Rhinelander and Minocqua this spring. This afternoon, they plan age-specific presentations for students in middle and high schools. Then this evening, they'll have a public presentation for families. They plan to cover topics such as internet safety, sextortion, the role of law enforcement, and what people can do to help prevent themselves or others from becoming victims. They'll also leave time at the end for a Q and A session. That gets underway at 5pm in the Tomahawk School District auditorium.

Published on 05/28/2025 under News A Merrill woman has been formally charged this past weekend's fatal crash in Lincoln County. Court records show Jurnee Robertson made her initial appearance in court Tuesday via video. The 22 year old is facing three charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, possession of cocaine, and possession of THC. Seven traffic citations are also listed. That crash happened early Sunday morning on Highway 107. Investigators says Robertson was driving when her vehicle failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway and struck a tree. A passenger, 26 year old Allison Jones of Merrill, died as a result of the crash. According to court records, at Wednesday's hearing, Judge Robert Russell set bond at $100,000. Time limits for a preliminary hearing were waived and will be scheduled at a later date.

Published on 05/28/2025 under News A Vilas County home was destroyed and an occupant injured in a fire earlier this week. According to the Presque Isle Fire Department, crews were paged to the structure fire Monday evening. Upon arrival, they found heavy fire venting from three sides of the home. With help from mutual aid, they were able to contain the fire in approximately 45 minutes, but remained on the scene for two and half to put out hot spots. They said the homeowner sustained burns and was brought to Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua. No update on his condition was provided. The home was deemed a complete loss. A pick-up truck parked nearby sustained minor damage. The cause of fire wasn't immediately identified and remains under investigation.

Published on 05/28/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads will be sending numerous athletes to the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet. The Hatchet girls finished with a team score of 108 points, placing 19 behind the host, Bloomer. The girls had two first-place finishes; Kaylynn Sandry placed first in the high jump with a leap of 4'10. Alicia Voermans also took first in the Pole Vault with a jump of 10'. Other Sectional Qualifiers were Faith Derleth in the 100 meter dash, Ellie Micke in the 200 meter dash and high jump, Elise Gibeault in the 400 meter dash, Alli Palmer in the 3200 meter run, Lizzy Arnott in the pole vault, Siennah Caulkins in the triple jump, and Shelby Borowski in the shot put. The Hatchet girls are also sending the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x800 meter relays. Tomahawk's boys finished eighth in the regional meet as a team, but they will be sending four events to the sectional meet Friday. Sam Zastrow scored a time of 2:07.04 in the 800 meter run, placing third. Dominic Boos placed fourth in the 3200 meter run with a time of 11:02.61. Zastrow, Beau Stromberg, Jeremiah Johnson, and Mason Reibe qualified in the 4x400 meter relay, placing fourth with a time of 3:42.25. The highest finish of the meet was the 4x800 meter relay team of Zastrow, Stromberg, Boos, and Johnson, placing second and clocking in at 8:48.51. The WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet for Tomahawk will be Friday at Durand-Arkansaw. Events begin at 4:00.

Published on 05/28/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad will be sending Sawyer Hanna to the sectional meet in Hayward next Tuesday. As a team, the Hatchets placed sixth overall with a team score of 347, ten strokes behind the last sectional qualifier, Hayward. Hanna finished 13th overall with a score of 83. Jake Albert finished tied for 15th with an 84. However, he was the odd golfer out in a three-man playoff on the first hole to determine who moves on. This will be Hanna's second consecutive trip to the WIAA Division 3 Sectional Meet. It will be at the Hayward Golf Course on Wednesday.

Published on 05/28/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad's season would end in Appleton Tuesday, losing in walk-off fashion in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal to Xavier, 11-10. The Hatchets had an impressive game offensively, notching 13 hits and scoring in every inning except the third. Tomahawk also jumped out to a 5-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second. However, Xavier took advantage of five Tomahawk errors and eight walks to pull out the win. The winning run was scored on a walk-off RBI Single by Xavier third basemen Joy Krull. Kylie Peissig finished three for four with three singles and two RBIs. Lydia Ziert, Tomahawk's lone senior, went two for three with a double and three RBIs. Ella Peissig went two for four with a triple and scored the game-tying run on a wild pitch in the top of the seventh inning. The Hatchets finish the 2025 season with a 9-13 overall record and a 4-8 record in Great Northern Conference play.

Published on 05/28/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad wrapped up the season on a sour note, getting shut out in Auburndale Tuesday, 10-0. The Hatchets wrap up the baseball season with a 9-12 overall record and a 5-7 record in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk begins postseason play Thursday with the WIAA Divsion 3 Regional Quarterfinal. The 8th-seeded Hatchets will play #9 seed Chetek-Weyerhauser at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field at Pride Park. If Tomahawk wins, they will play at #1 Seed and #4 in Division 3 Elk Mound Tuesday. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will be in the broadcast booth Thursday with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00. The game will be broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM and 97.7 FM WJJQ.

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