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Deer Activity on the Rise; Motorists Reminded to Stay Aware

Published on 10/29/2024 under News It's that time of year when deer become more active, and safety officials remind motorists to be on the lookout. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation deer/vehicle crashes typically peak during October and November as the days shorten and bucks pursue potential mates. In fact, in Wisconsin more deer are hit in November than any other month. According to the DoT statistics, there were more than 16,000 vehicle-deer crashes last year, about a third of those occurring in October and November. Locally, we've seen an increase in the number of animal collisions as well. In last week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies responded to 19 such crashes. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. "It can be hard to spot deer along the road and their movements are unpredictable, so it's important that drivers are vigilant and avoid distractions while driving." Motorists are reminded to buckle up, slow down, and scan the road ahead, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. If you see one deer, anticipate more may follow. If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane, as swerving may result in an even more serious crash. If you strike a deer, pull off to the side and remain in your vehicle until help arrives.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News Plates have been cleaned, votes cast, and Tomahawk has chosen its 'Best Burger in Paradise.' Each summer, the Tomahawk STAR Foundation invites area restaurants to grill up their best burgers as part of a friendly fundraising competition. Card holders are able to sample each of the entries and can cast a vote for their favorite. This year, ten restaurants stepped up to the challenge. Over the past few months, hundreds of burgers were served up. In the end, it was B's Landing that claimed the top spot. Their fajita-inspired winning burger featured sautéed mixed peppers & onions, pepper jack cheese and Mexican street corn dressing. The real winner, however, was the STAR Foundation. Proceeds from the contest support their mission as a central location that provides charitable donations to Tomahawk-area organizations. They'll be celebrating this weekend, as the STAR Foundation will host their Burger Bash Wrap Up at B's Landing Saturday, November 2 from 5-9.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News A pair of bills awaiting vote in Washington could impact small pharmacies around the country. Tyler Stevenson opened Tomahawk Pharmacy nearly ten years ago. He's among pharmacists closely tracking this legislation. He stopped by our morning conversation Monday to talk about what are known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs and why he supports the changes. He explained that PBMs were initially established to keep prescription costs down, acting as an intermediary between clients, pharmacies, and prescription manufacturers. The industry has quickly grown, and Stevenson says three companies now control 80 percent of the market. That impacts Stevenson as pharmacists are typically not able to negotiate prescription reimbursements. He says it's not uncommon that they have multiple claims each day where the reimbursement doesn't even cover their purchase cost, without even factoring in their business overhead. And while these practices greatly impact smaller and independent pharmacies, even some larger retailers and chains are also affected. There are currently two bills before the US Senate that they hope would rein in some of the power of PBMs. Stevenson says they would help define reasonable and relevant compensation for prescription reimbursements. He noted that they have good momentum and have already cleared the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. They are still awaiting a vote before the Senate and he is encouraging people reach out to both Senators Baldwin and Johnson. For those that would like to learn more, Tyler's conversation is available in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News A group of Tomahawk students got the ins-and-outs of concrete work during a recent class project with real-world applications. The district recently shared that students in the high school building trades program were able to pour and craft a new concrete sidewalk, transforming a previously underutilized area of the campus. They said the completed sidewalk not only enhances the school's accessibility, but also serves as a testament to the students' hard work and dedication. The students worked under the guidance of Aaron Evans of Evans Concrete Construction. Instructor Andy Piessig says, "This project allowed us to see the direct impact of our efforts." The district says the students learned essential techniques for site prep, form construction, pouring, and finishing concrete. This project provided a real-world application of their classroom knowledge, reinforcing the importance of precision and teamwork in construction.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News Merrill fire crews responded to a duplex fire over the weekend. According to the incident summary, firefighters were dispatched to a property on Pier Street Friday evening at shortly before 7pm. The initial report came from an occupant of the upstairs apartment of the duplex. The caller reported fire and smoke coming from the basement level. All occupants were able to safely evacuate. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire. Ventilation fans were used to clear smoke, and public service was able to isolate gas and electric between the two duplex units. With no further safety concerns, the upstairs residents were able to return home. The lower unit, where the fire originated, was not occupied. According to the release, they are still investigating what caused the fire.

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Sports Headlines

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.

Published on 10/23/2024 under Sports The 6th-seeded Hatchets opened Postseason play Tuesday with an impressive sweep of the 11th-seeded Sturgeon Bay Clippers, winning 25-10, 25-20, 25-19. The Hatchets controlled the match from the opening serve, dominating the Clippers on the serving and serve receiving. Tomahawk got eight aces on the night. Claire Albert led Tomahawk with 10 kills, Averi Petta had eight and Siennah Calkins added seven. Albert also added four aces. Shelby Borowski had 23 assists and three aces in the win. The WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal for Tomahawk is Thursday night at Wrightstown. Tune in for the broadcast with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:35 and first serve at 7:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 10/16/2024 under Sports The Hatchets wrapped up the 2024 season completing the season sweep of Rhinelander at the Miazga Gym, defeating the Hodags in four sets, 23-25, 25-10, 25-19, 25-20. It was a milestone night for Senior Hitter Claire Albert achieved 1,000 career digs during Game 1. What Albert does best though, is hit, as she got 11 kills on the night. Shelby Borowski tied a career and season-high with 37 assists. Siennah Caulkins led the team in kills with 12. Tomahawk finishes the 2024 season with a 12-18 record and a 4-8 record in Great Northern Conference Play. Tomahawk begins postseason play next week as the #6 seed in the WIAA Division 3 Playoffs against #11 seed Sturgeon Bay. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:35 and First Serve at 7:00 with Matt Theiler and Alex Koch in the broadcast booth.

Published on 10/15/2024 under Sports The Hatchets kept their playoff hopes alive in a wacky, yet entertaining win at Jay Stadium in Merrill Saturday, defeating the Blue Jays, 17-11. Tomahawk struggled to move the ball offensively, but they were able to take advantage of short fields set up by defensive stops. The Hatchets forced four Merrill turnovers, including three in the second half. Brayden Larson rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. He also had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and the game sealing interception with one minute remaining. With the win, Tomahawk goes to 3-5 on the season and 2-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will now play for playoff eligibility Friday night at home against Lakeland. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:35 and kickoff at 7:00. Matt Turkiewicz and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth.

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