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Tomahawk Public Library Welcomes ‘Mammoth Hunter’ Ice Age Expert

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Public Library took a trip back in time Thursday morning, as local youngsters got an opportunity to see what life may have been like during the Ice Age. Families packed the library lawn for a hands-on presentation by Sean Sullivan, a Wausau-based primitive skills expert known as "The Mammoth Hunter." The interactive session brought Wisconsin's prehistoric past to life using museum-quality fossils and replicas Sullivan crafted himself based on archaeological evidence dating back 15,000 years. Sullivan doesn't just display tools, he demonstrates how to use them through live demonstrations of primitive survival skills from fire starting to hunting. Sullivan uses a method called experiential archaeology, learning about the past by actively recreating and testing ancient technology. He even dresses the part during his presentations. Yesterday's event was part of the Tomahawk Public Library's ongoing and always popular summer programming. This year's theme is Unearth a Story, fitting for Thursday's archeological discussion. The series is made possible through funding from the Tomahawk Public Library Natural Resources Fund.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News Voters in Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District have a crowded ballot to sort through before the August 11th primary. It's an open seat featuring eight candidates including several relatively unknown political newcomers. To help bridge the geographic divide of the state's largest district by area, the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is offering a unique opportunity and shared community event to get to know the candidates. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate in a forum on July 21 in Wausau. That will be broadcast to local hubs allowing Northwoods residents to gather, watch the debate together, and evaluate their options. The Northwoods chapter will host watch parties at two locations: Rhinelander and Eagle River. League President Debra Durchslag says democracy works best when voters can hear directly from the candidates. The watch locations are open to everyone, regardless of political leanings. We will share specific details and final candidate lineups as the event draws closer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News As temperatures climb and more people head to Northwoods lakes to cool off, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding swimmers to watch out for an unwelcome summer nuisance: swimmer's itch. The itchy skin rash can develop after swimming in freshwater lakes. Health officials say it is caused by tiny parasites found in some waters. Fortunately, it is not contagious, isn't an infection, and typically clears up on its own within a few days. While it may be difficult, try to avoid scratching. Instead, opt for an anti-itch cream or a cool compress. To reduce the chances of developing swimmer's itch, the health department recommends showering as soon as possible after swimming, drying off thoroughly with a towel, and changing out of wet swimsuits right away. Swimmers are also encouraged to choose areas with moving water and avoid shallow, weedy spots when possible. According to the CDC, the parasites frequently travel on waterfowl, so beachgoers should avoid feeding ducks near popular swimming locations. The reminder is part of Healthy Adventure Week, an initiative by the Oneida County Health Department encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Northwoods safely throughout the summer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News State wildlife officials are asking boaters to ease off the throttle on northern Wisconsin waterways to protect a highly vulnerable and culturally significant native grain. The Department of Natural Resources warns that wild rice plants, known as manoomin by the Ojibwe people, are entering a fragile growth stage. Right now, the young plants look like bright green grass emerging just above the water's surface, making them incredibly easy to uproot. Large wakes and waves from passing boats can completely tear the young rice from the lake bed before it has a chance to mature. Boaters can help protect the crop by maintaining a strict slow-no-wake speed in shallow areas, particularly in bays, backwaters, and near stream inlets where the rice is most abundant. Boaters can check known rice waters before launching by utilizing the DNR's online Surface Water Data Viewer. Wild rice has faced a steep decline over the last few decades due to a variety of factors including warming temperatures and water quality. The annual aquatic plant is not only a critical ecosystem indicator , but it also provides crucial food and habitat for regional waterfowl and wildlife. The plants won't become sturdy enough to support their prized seed stalks until closer to Labor Day, with the Wisconsin wild rice harvest usually taking place in September.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The skies above Northern Wisconsin have been busy lately with Fourth of July fireworks and roaring F-35 military flyovers, but this weekend, the view from below slows down. The sixth annual Taste N Glow Balloon Fest takes over Stettin today and tomorrow. This year, organizers have arranged for 26 vibrant hot air balloons from across the country to take to the air in Marathon County. In addition to watching from the ground, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to go up in a tethered balloon. To ensure more people can participate, they've even brought in two fully handicap-accessible balloons this year. One of the highlights will take place at dusk. That's when the famous nighttime 'balloon glow' takes place. This is when the pilots light up their burners in unison to create a massive wall of light. For safety reasons, all balloon events remain wind- and weather-permitting. Beyond the balloons, there are plenty of other attractions on the ground, including a professional lumberjack show, a craft fair, and a variety of food trucks.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A sea of lawn chairs, campers, and cowboy boots has once again taken over the Northwoods. The legendary Hodag Country Music Festival is celebrating its 48th year this weekend, drawing more than 30,000 music lovers to Rhinelander for one of the region's largest summer events. The four-day festival officially kicks off its musical lineup today, Russell Dickerson is the headliners. Over the rest of the weekend, country stars like LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina, Brothers Osborne, and Old Dominion will take the stage. For the most dedicated Hodag attendees, the fun starts early. Fans gather Wednesday for the traditional "chair line" lottery where concert-goers secure their prime viewing real estate for the weekend. Beyond the music, the festival is a massive boon for the community. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates Hodag injects more than $10 million into the local economy, while giving area non-profits and civic groups a prime opportunity to raise funds. The Hodag runs through Sunday.

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Sports Headlines

Gibeault Places 3rd in 400 meter dash

Published on 06/06/2026 under Sports In the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this weekend. Elise Gibeault and Ellie Micke competed in three separate events. Gibeault's top finish came in the 400 meter dash, placing third with a time of 56.7 seconds. Gibeault would finish 2.26 seconds behind state champion Harper Sheehan of Hayward. In her final event, the Hatchet Junior would set a brand new school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.38 seconds, a full second behind Sheehan. As for Micke, her season would end in the High Jump Preliminaries. Micke would finish tied for 12th with Martin Luther's Dynasty Fancher. This concludes the Tomahawk Track & Field Season.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

Published on 05/28/2026 under Sports Despite coming back from down four runs in the fifth inning, Tomahawk's baseball squad would fall in extra innings in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field to the Crandon Cardinals, 8-5. The Hatchets trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before tying the game up behind two-run hits from Nick Arndt and Max Larson. After the Hatchets stranded the winning run on third in the seventh, Crandon rolled off three runs off Hatchet pitcher Logan Norman to take the lead. Tomahawk would bring the tying run to the plate, but Arndt flew out to center to end the game and the season. Arndt finished two for five with a triple and two RBIs. Max Larson finished one for five with a double and two RBIs. Despite pitching five scoreless innings and retiring ten straight, Norman absorbed the loss on the mound. The Hatchets finish the 2026 season with a 9-11 record and a 7-7 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk graduates Norman, Arndt, Jonah Dickens, Wally Horabik, Colton Seslar, and Brody Hilgendorf.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

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