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Dewey Reilly of Tomahawk High School named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week Published on 09/25/2025 under Sports

The recognition continue to take notice for Tomahawk's football team and this time it is coming from Wisconsin's NFL Team. The Green Bay Packers announced Football Coach Dewey Reilly was named their High School Coach of the Week. Reilly has led the Hatchets to their first 5-0 start since 1969 and are ranked fifth among all Division 5 programs Statewide according to the Bound Wisconsin Coaches poll. Away from the field, Reilly, who is a 1997 Tomahawk High School Graduate, emphasizes the importance of the team being positive role models for the Tomahawk Community. Reilly also played Linebacker at Minnesota State-Mankato. As a result of the award, the Packers and the NFL Foundation will donate $1,000 to Tomahawk's Football program and will be recognized of the award on packers.com, boundwisconsin.com, and wifca.org. The Hatchets take on Mosinee in their Homecoming Football Game Friday night. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and opening kick at 7:00 with Alex Koch and Jon Long in the broadcast booth.

In Other News

Lincoln County Sheriff Warns About Safe Hunting After Window Struck

Published on 09/30/2025 under News One of the most important safety topics in hunting is to know your target and what's beyond it. And that was a lesson learned following an incident in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a deputy was called to a home on County H in the Town of King for a report of property damage on Saturday morning. The property owner reported a window at his home had been shot out. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Saturday also marked the opening of the northern zone waterfowl hunting season. The deputy made contact with a pair of nearby duck hunters who agreed one of them likely caused the damage. The hunter, a 20 year old Wisconsin Rapids man, and the home owner spoke and agreed to work out the matter between themselves. The report did not indicate any further law enforcement action. The Sheriff's Office did use this as an opportunity to reminder hunters to always be aware of what they are shooting and their surroundings.

Published on 09/30/2025 under News Officials are seeking information on a weekend motorcycle crash in Lincoln County. According to the Sheriff's Report; deputies were sent to County WW in the Town of Pine River for a motorcycle crash with injuries on Sunday. Deputies were unable to locate the operator of the motorcycle. They found the bike had damage consistent with a deer collision, and located a dead deer was located nearby. The reporting party said prior to the deputy's arrival, a van had showed up on scene and unsuccessfully attempted to load the motorcycle. There were also signs suggesting the operator or possible passenger had been injured in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 09/30/2025 under News A local lawmaker is once again attempting to allow medical marijuana in Wisconsin. As she has done in the past several legislative sessions, Senate President Mary Felzkowski introduced a bill that she says would give patients 'access to safe and legal medical cannabis.' Wisconsin is one of just 10 ten states that do not allow the legal use of medical marijuana products. Felzkowski says, "Someone who suffers from a serious health condition should not have to make the choice to travel to another state or break the law so they can try an alternative medicine for relief." The new legislation would create a program in Wisconsin to license growers, processors, labs, and dispensaries. She says the legislation includes safeguards to ensure that medical cannabis is not abused or accessed by those without a medical need. Felzkowski added, "This legislation is about giving our friends, family members, and neighbors suffering from a chronic illness the freedom to explore another option with their doctor." She added, "This is also a chance for small businesses in our state to take part in this market with reasonable regulations on making and selling these products, all while still protecting public safety." In unveiling the legislation, Felzkowski was joined by Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Patrick Snyder, both Republicans. Over the years, similar legislation has failed to gain traction in the Republican controlled legislature. Proponents have had difficult time threading the needle to pass similar bills with liberal legislators traditionally seeking broader legalization, while many conservatives have opposed any type of marijuana legalization.

Published on 09/30/2025 under News On this date in 1995, St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Rhinelander hosted a small community meal. Three decades later, that monthly tradition continues. With this milestone anniversary, organizers of the monthly meal known as The Table reflected on this outreach. The meal was initially offered as a way to provide for those in need, whether the actual food or simply the socialization. On that first evening, they said just seven people attended. In a few short years they had around one hundred diners each month. Currently, they serve around 60 meals per session, a combination of onsite dining and some deliveries. On the last day of each month, members of area churches, community groups or work groups volunteer to host the Table in the guild hall at the church known for the red doors. The Table is held the last day of the month, with the exception of December when the meal is served on the 30th. To recognize all the work over three decades, they will host a small ceremony ahead of tonight's meal. It begins at 5:30pm.

Published on 09/30/2025 under News Over the past few summers, we've dealt with wildfire smoke on a number of occasions whether from the western US or Canada. Earlier this month, the DNR unveiled some updated tools to help the public stay "air aware" when it comes to pollutants. Their new air quality data map displays real-time data from the state's air quality monitoring network and provides a color-coded guide to pollution levels based on the Air Quality Index. The goal of the latest updates is to offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, in turn making it easier to stay informed about air quality. It includes a highly-visible banner with alerts, a dedicated news area with updates and advisories, and an 'orange and above' filter to quickly identify when air quality reaches levels that can impact health. In addition to the new monitoring map, the public can also sign up to receive air quality advisory notices from the DNR via email. You can find the map through the DNR website.

Published on 09/29/2025 under News A statewide tick study continues, and researchers are encouraging those enjoying the fall activities to be mindful of ticks and submit them for identification. The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's Tick Inventory via Citizen Science study is now in its second year. Their goal is to study tick distribution and improve detection and disease prevention efforts. Ticks are still active and with people out in the woods at this time of year, people may be find more ticks. Associate research scientist Alexandra Linz says they saw a surge of submissions last October. She notes,"These were often deer ticks, which are the ones that primarily carry disease in Wisconsin." Linz says, "The deer tick's small size and greater likelihood of carrying illnesses like Lyme disease is what makes it critical to perform tick checks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas." Through a year and a half, researchers have received identified nearly 12,000 ticks, including 5,400 this year. They said approximately two thirds of the submissions have been the larger and common wood tick. A majority of the rest... the deer tick. But they've also identified some species typically rare in Wisconsin including 21 lone star ticks. People should continue to check for ticks, and submit them if they choose. Kits are available at many Marshfield Clinic locations, at Rib Mountain State Park, and can be requested. For more information, or to request a pre-paid collection kit be sent to you, contact tics@marshfieldclinic.org or 1-715-389-7796 (extension 16462). Parks and nature centers interested in having kits available for their visitors also are encouraged to contact Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. Once the tick, dead or alive, has been placed in the collection kit, just drop it in the mail to submit. Any tick found on people or pets is appreciated. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted.

Published on 09/29/2025 under News A local worker's union recently made a significant donation to the Tomahawk School District aimed at strengthening student mental health resources and support services. The School District of Tomahawk announced a generous $10,000 donation from the United Steelworkers Local 248. The funds will be used to expand access to crisis intervention counselors and tele-health mental health providers. The district says these services are designed to bridge the critical gap students often face while waiting for appointments with their regular counselors, a period that can stretch up to six months or more. District administrator Wendell Quesinberry says, "We are deeply grateful to the United Steelworkers Local 248 for their commitment to our students." He says, "This donation ensures that our young people have timely access to essential mental health care when they need it most, providing stability and support during critical moments." The district says, by addressing urgent mental health needs, this initiative aims to improve student well-being, strengthen resilience, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both in and out of the classroom. According to the announcement, United Steelworkers Local 248's support highlights the power of community partnerships in building a stronger future for students. Photograph from L-R: Curt Cordova Local 248 Vice President, Wendell Quesinberry School District of Tomahawk Superintendent, Bob Garrou Local 248 President, Joe Skuball Local 248 Treasurer, Adam Spiegel School District of Tomahawk Special Education/Pupil Services Director

Published on 09/29/2025 under News As the month winds down, officials are reminding residents its not too late to plan for an emergency. Each September, local and state emergency management teams discuss the need for individuals, families, and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies. It's part of September Preparedness Month. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Wisconsinites can help themselves by taking a few simple preparedness steps, starting right in their own homes." Preparedness begins with creating a home safety plan and going over it with your family. It's also a good time to create an emergency kit for your home and your vehicle. If you already have a kit, check to ensure items haven't expired or been borrowed. Fall is also a good time for some home maintenance such as trimming branches around the house, clearing gutters, and inspecting roofs and downspouts. Engle says, "Planning for the unexpected may seem overwhelming initially, but the peace of mind from knowing you're ready can help you weather the storm." Wisconsin Emergency Management has additional information on their website, and locally Lincoln County Emergency Management has been posting tips and advice on their Facebook page throughout the month.

Published on 09/29/2025 under News A quick update on some ongoing road construction, just to the north of Tomahawk. Crews continue to work on Oneida County Road L in Nokomis. They have completed most of the milling and paving of the main roadway, and are currently working on intersections, entrances, and driveways. Motorists may still encounter some delays. Culvert work continues on Highway 8 between County L and McCord Road. This will require some single lane closures with temporary signals. This summer-long project is scheduled to run into October. The Town of Nokomis announced some upcoming work on a half mile segment of Lake Nokomis Road between Rocky Road and the former Johnson Level site. That work will begin October 6.

Published on 09/29/2025 under News The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be conducting prescribed burns this fall to help restore and improve habitat while reducing wildfire risks in northern Wisconsin. Certified fire specialists will be working around several locations within National Forest lands in the coming months. According to the announcement, prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. And by simulating historic naturally occurring wildfires, they can also provide benefits to native plants and animals. Experts monitor weather and forest conditions to determine when the burns will be conducted, so they don't have a specific schedule. They typically notify neighboring residents and local officials in the lead up to a planned burn, while also posting updates via their social media for recreationists to be aware. Prescribed fires planned for the area include: Illuminati Wildlife Opening (Ashland County, off Forest Road 335) Ax Head Red (Bayfield County, adjacent to Forest Road 236 near the intersection with Forest Road 262) Northwest Sands Block A (Bayfield County, adjacent to Forest Road 241 and Bailey Lake Road) Oconto River Savannahs 1 (Oconto County, north and west of Riverside Road, southeast of Waubee Lake) Twin Pine 4, 6, 8, 11, and 12 (Oconto County, Oconto County, near the intersection of Forest Roads 2307 and 2301 north of State Highway 64) Drake Creek Openings (Sawyer County, County Road S near forest boundary) Little Cranberry (Sawyer County, near the intersection of County Road B and Forest Road 177W) Mondeaux Dam (Taylor County, adjacent to Mondeaux Lodge) Moose River Pines (Sawyer County, on Forest Road 164 and between Forest Road 174 and Forest Road 173)

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