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Hatchet Volleyball Team Wins GNC Opener Published on 09/05/2025 under Sports

Tomahawk's volleyball squad began Great Northern Conference play with a sweep of the Rhinelander Hodags at the Miazga Gymnasium Thursday night, 25-13, 25-17, 25-17.

The Hatchets dominated throughout the match, led by an eight-kill, three-ace performance from Sienna Calkins. Averi Petta and Alicia Voermans each had five kills. Ella Peissig had a team-high five aces for the Hatchets. The win puts Tomahawk at 7-5 so far on the season.

The Hatchets will head on out to DC Everest for an invite Saturday. Their first match of the day will be against Newman Catholic at 9:00 AM. Tomahawk will also play Edgar, Eau Claire Memorial, and Wausau East.

In Other News

Tomahawk Dream Park Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Published on 09/05/2025 under News It's been a year since the Tomahawk Dream Park became a reality, and the play area remains a popular destination. This weekend marks the one year anniversary of the ribbon cutting at the Tomahawk Dream Park. For those involved, the results have exceeded expectations. Whether enjoying the park with their kids and grandkids, or simply driving past to see the park full of smiling faces, it was well-worth the effort. We were able to follow the progress since the very beginning. The seeds were planted back in 2021 when Tomahawk Together pitched the idea of an all-inclusive playground. Separately, the City had been exploring a splash pad. The two entities decided to roll both ideas into a single project in the heart of the city in Washington Square. An impressive fundraising effort followed, then the ground breaking in the fall of 2023. A summer of construction, and the park was officially open for use in September of last year. And use it has seen... the playground was designed for kids of all ages and abilities, and during daylight, the equipment rarely sits still. And while the Splash Pad is now closed for the season, it pumped plenty of water to keep kids both cool and entertained throughout the summer months.

Published on 09/05/2025 under News Elevated PFAS detected in fish and deer samples have led to consumption advisories in and around the town of Stella in Oneida County. The township, east of Rhinelander, has consistently shown some of the highest levels of PFAs in the state. Research has show health of humans may be impacted by consuming fish or game with elevated PFAS. And based on the results of fish and deer samples collected near Stella, the DNR and Department of Health Services announced the new advisories Thursday. For fish, a 'Do Not Eat' advisory was issued impacting all species caught from the Moen Chain of Lakes, Sunset Lake, Starks Creek, Starks Spring, and Snowden Lake. And for deer harvested within 5 miles of the Stella Town Hall, they recommend people limit the consumption of that venison to once per month and avoid eating the liver completely. This was based upon the sampling of 11 deer submitted by hunters last fall. Additional information on these consumption advisories is available on the DNR website.

Published on 09/05/2025 under News September is national preparedness month, and an upcoming program in Oneida County is designed for those who may be most vulnerable when an emergency arises. Word to the Wise is an emergency preparedness program focused specifically on seniors or those with medical conditions. Its a team-up of a number of local groups including the Health Department and the ADRC. Organizers note that these individuals may have some specific challenges. Word to the Wise will feature experts on a wide range of topics, specially catered for the aging population, as well as caregivers. This includes emergency supplies, planning for medical needs during an emergency, local resources and other safety tips. They'll even have some items to take home. The event is free and open to the public. It's at noon on Monday at the Oneida County ADRC in Rhinelander.

Published on 09/05/2025 under News Not only was it back to school for students in Merrill this week, but two new officers are also heading back to campus. The Merrill Area Public Schools established their school resource officer or SRO program back in 2025 with a single officer. This year, the district and the police department announced they have expanded the program with two officers Nicole Cimino and John Sass. The primary role of the SRO is to help maintain a safe and positive learning environment through classroom instruction, counseling, and daily interactions. But the district says the officers also act as approachable mentors and their presence helps bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement. Both district superintendent Shannon Murray and police chief Corey Bennett were excited to expand the partnership. Murray says, "By having two dedicated School Resource Officers, MAPS can provide stronger support, safety, and connections for students, families, and staff." Bennett, added, "Officer Cimino and Officer Sass are definitely energized and looking forward to doing their part in promoting an optimal learning environment for our students."

Published on 09/05/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's cross country squads had productive days at the Marathon Invite at Nine Mile Park in Wausau Thursday. The Hatchets' Charlee Lund finished in the top five for the second straight race, finishing fifth with a time of 20:42. Lydia Shaney and Abbie Rosenmeier placed in the top 20, finishing 17th and 18th, respectively. For the boys, the top finisher was Jeremiah Johnson, placing 35th with a time of 19:15. Tomahawk's next meet is next Saturday in Menomonie.

Published on 09/05/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swim squad went right down the middle in their double dual at Minocqua Thursday. The Hatchets defeated Mosinee to begin their night, 85-70. However, they would lose to Lakeland, 160-41. Tomahawk would have four second-place finishes in the double dual. The Hatchets would finish second in the 200 medley, the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. Aubrey Tollefson would finish second in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 1:26.27. The Hatchets' next double dual will be Thursday at home with Colby and Rhinelander. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News A week's worth of giving to Northern Wisconsin first responders has wrapped up, and residents are all a little safer. This past week, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation have been presenting their annual Rewarding Responders grants to police, fire, and EMS agencies serving communities across the WPS footprint. During the most recent cycle, $75,000 was distributed to supplement the purchase of specialized equipment as well as training opportunities. This is particularly important to smaller or volunteer agencies who may not have the resources in their budgets. Last week, we told you about a grant to Life Link, which will be used for a special pump used to administer medication during transport. But they weren't the only recipients in the area. Other agencies receiving funding include: Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue with a confined space rescue tripod; Crandon Police for a battery-powered rescue saw; Newbold Fire -portable carbon monoxide detectors; and Pine Lake Fire-thermal imaging cameras. Beth Straka, president — WPS Foundation says. "The important tools we help provide our first responders — from vital medical devices to heavy-duty equipment — can be critical in keeping people and our communities safe." The program, now in it's 12th year, has now contributed more than $675,000 to first responder agencies.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk Finance Committee continued their efforts to review city properties, including a sale earlier this week. Last month, the committee requested bids for a less-than-an acre parcel of land along Highway 86 up for bid. Interested parties could submit an offer to the committee for consideration at a special meeting held Tuesday. The city received three sealed offers for the property. Clerk Amanda Bartz, with her best impression as a game show presenter, opened the envelopes one by one; revealing the bids to the committee members. In the end, it was Cooks, who submitted the high bid of $8,150. The other offers were for just over $6,500 and $5,500. The committee approved the Cook bid, and once payment and paperwork is completed they will become the new owners. This sale was part of a larger effort of the committee to review city-owned properties, particularly those of little or no use to the city. Among the goals is to get them back on the tax role, spur growth or development, and reduce any associated maintenance costs.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News Those looking to harvest wild rice in northern Wisconsin this fall can expect generally below average crops. That's according to the DNR's forecast, released this past week. Weather over the past year likely played a factor. Kathy Smith with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission noted that the 2025 growing season brought a mix of conditions. She pointed to wind damage in mid-June as well as several heavy rainfall events which caused temporary high water levels on occasion. Additional factors impacting the low rice production include long-term climate and stressors like boat activity near rice beds. With this forecast, harvest may take a little extra research and exploration. Some reliable locations may have fewer opportunities, but some other previously poor locations may have rebounded. Wild rice maturity and harvesting typically takes place during the month of September. It's open to Wisconsin residents, though requires a license. They encourage participants practice proper harvesting techniques to conserve wild rice beds. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission has additional information for those interested in the wild rice harvest.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News With back-to-school busyness, it's key to remember the importance of a well-balance diet. Aspirus is reminding families that eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Tammy Licari is a registered dietitian at Aspirus. She says, "Good nutrition affects how kids learn, grow, and feel every day. Licari says, "A general understanding of what makes a meal well-balanced goes a long way. She says the goal is to incorporate three key macro-nutrients; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into each meal. Each of these building plays a key role including body fuel, brain development, vitamin absorption, muscle building, and immune system. Small changes are a good place to start and can be as simple as switching to a whole grain bread; fruit for chips; or yogurt for ice cream. Licari says it's important to remember you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. She says, "Healthy eating is about progress, not perfection. She added, "building these habits now helps kids do their best at school and beyond."

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