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Tomahawk Hosting Wisconsin Small Community Forum Tuesday

Published on 10/13/2026 under News Local leaders, business owners, and community members from across the region are gathering in Tomahawk Tuesday to discuss ways to shape the future of rural Wisconsin. Lincoln County was selected as one of just two statewide host sites for the 2026 Wisconsin Small Community Forums. The goal of the half-day event is to focus on the unique economic and civic opportunities and challenges facing small towns. Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Sara Guild discussed the event when she joined our morning conversation last week, calling it an exciting opportunity to be selected as a host and sever as a model for other communities. She highlighted some of the recent local developments including the Washington Square 'Dream Park', several downtown revitalization projects, and the groundbreaking for a new, and much-needed 72-unit apartment complex. Those are actually a few of the discussion topics on a crowded agenda that also includes interactive round-tables and focused discussions on key issues impacting smaller municipalities. Dunn County was the other host community; their forum took place last month in Colfax.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News An Antigo man has been formally charged in Lincoln County following a multi-county police chase last week. Forty-four-year-old Joshua D. Micke made his initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Monday. He faces six charges, including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, fleeing an officer causing bodily harm, operating a motor vehicle without consent, and resisting an officer. Court records indicate that charges have also been filed in Shawano County, and additional counties may also file charges. Authorities say Micke led officers on pursuits across Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties in multiple stolen vehicles last Thursday. Upon entering Lincoln County, the chase ended in Merrill when deputies deployed spike strips and executed a PIT maneuver to disable the vehicle. Micke was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. During Monday's hearing, the judge set cash bond at $100,000 and ordered a competency evaluation. A scheduling hearing is set for November 5.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, including hundreds of miles crossing the Northwoods. The Ice Age Trail Alliance is encouraging residents and visitors to get outside and explore this month. October marks the return of the annual Mammoth Hike Challenge. Hikers, walkers, runners, and backpackers are tasked with covering 46 miles along the trail during the month, commemorating the 46th anniversary of the designation as a National Scenic Trail. Alliance organizers highlight fall as one of the best times to experience the trail, offering vibrant autumn colors and cooler, more comfortable hiking temperatures. The challenge also makes it easy to discover the small communities nestled along the route. For those who find 46 miles daunting, participants can earn bonus miles by visiting designated Ice Age Trail Communities, which includes Antigo, Merrill, Rib Lake, and Wausau. Each Trail Community has identified a "Hometown Highlight" such as a local mural, sculpture, historic landmark, or cultural attraction to visit. Registration is available on the Ice Age Trail Alliance website where they've also created itineraries to help plan hikes with maps and points of interest along the trails. Anyone who completes the challenge by the end of October will receive a certificate and a limited-edition patch, which features a new custom design each year.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News The Rhinelander Police Department has a new tool to build stronger bridges with local residents—and it's rolling right into neighborhood events. Thanks to more than $300,000 in federal Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program grant funding awarded last year, the department recently unveiled its new Community Outreach Trailer. The mobile unit made its official debut at last month's "Light Up the Night for Recovery" event, giving officers and the department's Peer Recovery Support Services Team a central hub to meet residents and share vital local resources. Rhinelander Police Chief Josh Chiamulera says the trailer gives officers another way to meet people where they are, aiming to foster positive interactions and strengthen safety across the area. In addition to the outreach trailer, the grant funding fully supports a full-time recovery coach, a part-time outreach coordinator, patrol bicycles, and specialized mental health and substance use training for officers. Look for the trailer at upcoming school gatherings, educational programs, and community events throughout Rhinelander.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News As the Milwaukee Brewers push toward the postseason, state consumer protection officials are reminding baseball fans to stay vigilant against ticket scams. High demand for playoff games and sold-out events routinely creates prime opportunities for fraudsters peddling fake or counterfeit tickets. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski says, "When there is demand for playoff tickets, scammers come out of the woodwork to rip off excited sports fans." To protect buyers, state officials recommend sticking to reputable ticket sources, starting directly with the team or trusted vendors like SeatGeek, which serves as the official MLB fan resale marketplace. When purchasing, fans should always use a credit card for maximum fraud protection while avoiding wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. Buyers should also insist on official in-app ticket transfers, as static PDFs, screenshots, and paper printouts are primary tools used by scammers. Finally, officials advise fans to watch for common scam red flags, including unrealistically low prices, high-pressure sales tactics, and social media offers from unverified accounts.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News A major federal grant is aimed at helping address growing mental health needs across northern and central Wisconsin. Marshfield Clinic was awarded the three-year, $580,000 grant by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The funds will support mental health training, outreach, and early intervention programs across the region, with additional focus on several local counties including Vilas, Oneida, and Price. Many communities in the region face significant shortages of behavioral health professionals, creating steep hurdles for residents seeking care. Over the next three years, Marshfield Clinic will use the funding to train staff and community members to recognize mental health red flags and respond to crises, particularly among youth and young adults. The funding will also support a dedicated behavioral health navigator and build clearer pathways to connect local residents with local crisis and recovery services. Marshfield Clinic leaders say the grant will expand critical support services in rural areas hit hardest by provider shortages, transportation barriers, and rising mental health challenges.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Volleyball Wraps Up Regular Season at GNC Tournament in Mosinee

Published on 10/11/2026 under Sports At the Great Northern Conference Volleyball Tournament, Tomahawk went 1-2 in their matches Saturday. The Hatchets were swept by Mosinee and Medford in their first two matches. However, Tomahawk would steal a match against Rhinelander, winning in four sets. The Hatchets will finish the 2026 regular season with a 6-28 record and a 1-9 overall Great Northern Conference record. Seeding meetings across the state of Wisconsin will take place Monday. Stay tuned to find out who Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 3 Volleyball Postseason on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ.

Published on 10/10/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's cross country squads finished in the top ten once again, this time at the 50th Annual Hatchet Invitational Saturday. Tomahawk's girls placed fourth overall, behind Prentice/Rib Lake, Rhinelander, and Meet Champion Lakeland. Senior Elise Gibeault would finish fifth with a time of 20:14. Placing second on the Hatchets and 20th overall was Abbie Rosenmeier with a time of 22:46. Tomahawk's boys would place eighth overall in the invite, ahead of Crandon and Antigo. The top finisher was Jordyn Carew, placing 24th with a time of 18:33. Dawson Jones placed 35th with a time of 19:25. The next meet for Tomahawk is the Great Northern Conference Meet, which the Hatchets will host next Saturday. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show at 10:40 and opening events at 11:00. Alex Koch will have live updates on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Girls Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Rhinelander - 2nd Prentice/Rib Lake - 3rd Tomahawk - 4th Chequamegon - 5th Northland Pines - 6th Merrill - 7th Mosinee - 8th Medford - 9th Antigo - 10th Boys Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Rhinelander - 2nd Prentice/Rib Lake - 3rd Mosinee - 4th Medford - 5th Chequamegon - 6th Northland Pines - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Crandon - 9th Antigo - 10th

Published on 10/09/2026 under Sports On Senior Night, the Hatchet football squad fought valiantly but was edged out in the battle for Lincoln County Friday, losing to Merrill, 21-20. Tomahawk scored all of their points in the first half in three different ways. The scoring started with a fake field goal touchdown pass from Aidan Sigl to Hudson Evans. Evans would then run it in from five yards out to put the Hatchets up, 14-0. Tomahawk's final score would come on a fourth-down three-yard touchdown pass from Colin Black to Braxton Stromberg. However, the Hatchets would fail to find the end zone on three drives and allowed Merrill to score the only second-half touchdown of the night early in the fourth quarter. Colin Black went seven-for-13 throwing for 129 yards and a score. The Hatchets were held to just 76 yards on the ground and drop to 3-5 on the season and 3-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will wrap up their regular season at Mosinee next Friday. Tune in for 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: 11-Player Football: Lakeland 27, Antigo 6 Medford 35, Mosinee 0 Wausau East 25, Rhinelander 21 Northland Pines 17, Crandon 0 Abbotsford 26, Pittsville 6 8-Player Football: Wausaukee 32, Goodman-Pembine 27 Green Bay New Lutheran/Providence Academy 58, Chequamegon 12 Rib Lake 40, Phillips 34 Owen-Withee 36, Athens 6 Hurley 26, Three Lakes/Phelps 22

Published on 10/09/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Girls Swimmers Finish Regular Season Winless The Hatchet Girls Swimmers wrapped up the 2026 Regular season winless in GNC Duals after losing to Merrill at the Blue Jay Pool, 80-44. In the final GNC Dual, the Hatchets finished with one first-place finish. That top finish was in the 400 yard freestyle Relay to wrap up the night. The team of Kami Gabrich, Kortney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts finished with a time of 4:40.76. Tomahawk wraps up the season with a 0-11 Dual record. The Great Northern Conference Meet will be held in Lakeland October 23rd. Hatchet Volleyball Swept by Wittenberg-Birnamwood The Hatchet Volleyball squad's struggles transferred over to non-conference action as they would get swept by Wittenberg-Birnamwood on Senior Night at the Hatchet House, 25-20, 25-19, 25-10. The Hatchets dropped to 5-25 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will compete in the Great Northern Conference Volleyball Tournament in Mosinee Saturday morning.

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

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