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Antigo Man Arrested in Lincoln County Following Multi-County Chase; Multiple Stolen Vehicles

Published on 10/09/2026 under News A multi-county crime spree ended in a high-speed pursuit and crash yesterday afternoon in Merrill. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 44-year-old Joshua D. Micke of Antigo led law enforcement on a cross-county chase involving multiple stolen vehicles. The incident began Thursday morning with pursuits in Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties. Authorities say Micke abandoned one stolen vehicle, and later allegedly stole roughly $1,000 in cash from a vehicle in Minocqua before stealing yet another car. Just before 12:30 p.m., a Flock Safety camera alerted Lincoln County deputies that the stolen vehicle had entered southbound US Highway 51. Deputies attempted a traffic stop near Irma, but another pursuit followed. Spike strips were deployed near Highway K, deflating two tires, however the chase continued into the city of Merrill. The vehicle chase eventually ended when a deputy used a PIT maneuver, however Micke briefly fled on foot before being taken into custody. During the incident, the Sheriff's Office says a deputy sustained a serious hand injury that will require surgery. A second person, not involved in the incident, sustained minor injuries after their vehicle was struck during the pursuit. Micke is being held on numerous charges including Fleeing an officer causing bodily harm, recklessly endangering safety and operating a vehicle without consent.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk is gearing up to raise a toast to local tradition as the fourth annual Oktoberfest returns this weekend. Hosted by Tomahawk Main Street, the fall celebration brings authentic Bavarian flair right to the heart of town. Executive Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the event has quickly become a community favorite, tapping into the deep German heritage shared by so many Northwoods residents. The festivities officially kick off at 2:00 p.m. with the ceremonial tapping of the Golden Keg by this year's Fest Master. Attendees can sample 16 seasonal craft beers on tap, alongside traditional favorites like fresh pretzels with beer cheese, German potato salad, and sizzling brats. Festivalgoers can test their skills at classic games like Hammerschlagen and Roll Out the Barrel, all while enjoying live polka music. While costumes aren't required, lederhosen and dirndls are fully encouraged. Most importantly, organizers emphasize that the afternoon is all about bringing the community together and giving a boost to downtown small businesses. They'll take over the usual Farmers Market location on North 3rd Street. Registration opens at 1:00 p.m., with both beer-sampling and general admission ticket packages available on-site.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has officially given its final stamp of approval to the city's updated Emergency Management ordinance. The measure was recommended by the Health and Safety Committee last month. Council members voted unanimously and without further discussion at their Tuesday meeting to adopt the measure, which modernizes local disaster response guidelines and cleans up the language in the municipal code. The updated ordinance establishes a clear chain of command during widespread emergencies, naming the Mayor as the city's Local Emergency Management Director. As Police Chief Al Elvins noted during earlier committee discussions, delegating overall direction to the mayor ensures police and fire chiefs can stay focused on hands-on operational duties when disaster strikes. The measure also better defines when and how a local state of emergency can be declared.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Dry conditions and windy weather challenged firefighters during a response in Price County earlier this week. Firefighters from Prentice, Little Rice and the DNR responded to a Christmas tree farm off Richie Road in Brantwood for a fire on Wednesday. Gusty winds on the day likely led to the fire spreading quickly through the property. Firefighters were eventually able to get the blaze under control, but the fire ended up burning approximately 13 acres. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, the fire was likely started by burning debris. This was the largest of nine wildfires across the Northwoods this week. With ongoing drought conditions making things extra dry out there, fire danger remains elevated, and officials are once again reminding people to be mindful of any activities that could cause a spark.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News High school marching bands spend all autumn pumping up Friday night football crowds and marching in local parades, but this weekend, hundreds of student musicians are stepping into the spotlight for an event all their own. Rhinelander High School is hosting the annual Hodag Marching Showcase this Saturday morning at Mike Webster Stadium. Now in its fourth year, the event gives regional student musicians a dedicated stage to perform, fine-tune their routines, and celebrate school spirit. In addition to the host Rhinelander Hodags, marching bands from Lakeland Union, DC Everest, Medford, and Antigo will take the field to perform. The event is free and open to the public. Showcases kick off at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Mike Webster Stadium in Rhinelander. Community members are encouraged to head out and support the Northwoods' young musical talent.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Some of the state's youngest hunters will head into the field over the next few days in hopes of bagging a buck. This weekend marks the return of the Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunt. According to the DNR, the hunt gives participants aged 15 and under the opportunity to learn from a mentor and gain valuable field experience. Mentorship rules vary depending on the youth's age and whether they have completed a hunter education course, so participants are encouraged to review those guidelines prior to heading out. During last year's youth hunt, participants registered roughly 8,500 deer, an approximate 16% increase over the previous year. The DNR also reminds the public that blaze orange or pink clothing requirements go into effect during any firearm deer season, including the youth hunt. In addition to hunters, other outdoor recreationists are encouraged to wear bright colors as well, particularly when using public lands. In addition to the two-day youth hunt this Saturday and Sunday, the nine-day Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities also wraps up this weekend.

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Sports Headlines

Tomahawk Fall Sports Update 10/6/26

Published on 10/06/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Volleyball Ends Regular Season GNC Play Winless In the final Great Northern Conference match of the season, Tomahawk's volleyball squad came up short, getting swept by Northland Pines at the Hatchet House Tuesday, 25-19, 26-24, 25-13. The loss by Tomahawk has them finish winless in Great Northern Conference regular season play. Lexi Palmer would finish with 22 assists. Lauren Reibe tied a career-high with 16 kills. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-25 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for their final regular-season match of the season Thursday against Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First serve is at 7:00. Gibeault Places in Top 5, Hatchet Girls and Boys XC Place in Top 8 The Hatchet cross country squads would each finish in the top eight of the Northland Pines Invitational in Eagle River Tuesday afternoon. The Hatchet girls placed third overall in the meet, placing behind only Three Lakes/Phelps and Rhinelander. Three Hatchet girls placed in the top ten, led by a fourth-place finish from Elise Gibeault. Ellie Micke placed 13th and Abbie Rosenmeier would finish 19th. As for the Hatchet boys, they would place eighth overall. Three Hatchets placed in the top 40. The highest finisher was Dawson Jones, placing 28th. Luke Morrison and Ryan Montag would place 32nd and 33rd respectively. The final meet of the regular season for Tomahawk is their home meet, which will be at the old Hatchet Baseball Field Saturday. Live updates from the meet will be provided on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show will begin at 9:40 and opening events begin at 10:00 with Alex Koch in the broadcast booth. Girls Team Results: Rhinelander - 1st Three Lakes/Phelps - 2nd Tomahawk - 3rd Merrill - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Antigo - 6th Medford - 7th Boys: Rhinelander - 1st Laona-Wabeno - 2nd Florence/Niagara - 3rd Medford - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Crandon - 6th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo - 9th Merrill - 10th

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Football squad fought valiantly but came up short on Homecoming night at Hatchet Field, losing to the Medford Raiders, 20-0. The Hatchets held Medford to seven points in the first half, including stopping them on fourth down as time expired in the second quarter. However, the Raiders used their strong running attack of Carson Ingersoll. The Hatchets were held to just 40 rushing yards on 30 carries. Henry Nieman notched his fourth interception of the season in the last five games midway through the first quarter. The loss drops Tomahawk to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the field for Senior Night next week against Merrill. Jon Long and Alex Koch will be in the booth next Friday with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00 on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 32, Antigo 22 Lakeland 14, Mosinee 0 Northland Pines 45, Clintonville 6 Crivitz 36, Crandon 0 Merrill 37, Rhinelander 0 8-Player Football: #10 8P Laona-Wabeno 58, Chequamegon 8 Hurley 56, Rib Lake 22 Athens 60, Newman Catholic 20

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top Eight at Athens Tomahawk' Cross Country squads finished in the top eight in the Athens Blue Jay Invitational Thursday night. The Hatchet Girls would place sixth in the invite, placing ahead of Chequamegon, Antigo, and Cadott. The top finisher for the Hatchet ladies was Elise Gibeault, who placed eighth with a time of 21:05. Second on the team and 22nd overall was Ellie Micke, clocking in at 22:40. As for the Hatchet Boys, they would place eighth in the invite, ahead of Antigo and Abbotsford. Connor Zorn placed 26th overall at 18:16. Dawson Jones finished 32nd at 18:30. Tomahawk's next invite is Tuesday when they head to Northland Pines. Events begin at 4:00. Team Results: Boys: Prentice/Rib Lake - 2nd Rhinelander - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo 9th Girls: Prentice/Rib Lake - 1st Rhinelander 3rd Athens - 4th Tomahawk - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Antigo - 8th Tomahawk Swimmers Drops Final Home Dual to Medford The Hatchet Female Swimmers would fall in their final home GNC dual of the season to the Medford Raiders at the Hatchet Pool, 120-32. Despite the loss, Tomahawk would have three second-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich placed second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:33.44. Gabrich would then join Kourtney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts in a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay with a time of 4:39.51. Busterud, Tollefson, Roberts, and Sloane Eisenmann would then finish second in the 200 Medley relay. The Final GNC Meet of the season takes place down in Merrill next Thursday. Events will begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Swept by #1 in Division 2 Mosinee Against #1 in Division 2 Mosinee, the Hatchet Volleyball squad would suffer yet another Great Northern Conference Sweep, losing, 25-7, 25-17, 25-22. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-24 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at home for the GNC Finale Tuesday night against Northland Pines. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 and first serve is at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will have the broadcast from the Hatchet House Tuesday night.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers traveled down to Wausau and competed in a double dual with Wausau East and Medford Tuesday night. The Highest a Hatchet placed was third across two different events. Kami Gabrich would take third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:27.85. Gabrich also joined Kaylee Roberts, Sloane Eisenman, and Kourtney Busterud in a third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle relay with a time of 2:11.21. The Hatchets are back in the pool for a GNC Dual Thursday against Medford. Events will begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Despite fighting back in every set, Tomahawk's volleyball squad would once again fall short in a Great Northern Conference match against Lakeland at the Hatchet House, 25-18, 26-24, 25-22. Tomahawk would fall behind consistently in the first half of each game before coming back and at least tying games two and three. However, the Hatchets would fall short, allowing the T-Birds to pull away in each set. Lauren Reibe had a team-high seven kills and Lexi Palmer had 12 assists. Tomahawk now sits at 5-23 and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action for another Great Northern Conference match Thursday at #1 in Division 2 Mosinee. First Serve is at 7:00.

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